The Marangu route is also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and the most well established route on the Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style.
Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilets The short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Exciting East African Tours® offers Marangu Route climbing for five and six days climb.
Day 1: ARUSHA/MOSHI – MARANGU GATE – MANDARA
You will be picked up from the hotel and a drive to Marangu gate follow as you drive towards the gate you will be enjoying excellent views of the mountain, with your team of guides and porters you will then proceed to check in the park at the gate. You will get in the rain forest which is the first zone of the mountain. Whilst in the forest you could see bright coloured birds, colobus monkeys and other species of monkey as well as mosses, lichens and flowers and delicate orchids. If the skies are clear you can see the town of Moshi lying at the edge of the plain further down. You will continue ascending in this 4-5 hours through the areas of coffee plantation and thick rainforest to Mandara Hut for Dinner and overnight. Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,740 m
- Distance covered: 7km
- Time to be used: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut 1
Day 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
We will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on to the open moorlands then the Horombo encampment. We will witness the amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. As we cross the Alpine Zone of the mountain we will see giant lobelias and grounsels. Here, you are expected to begin to feel the effects of the altitude. Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,700 m
- Distance Covered: 11km
- Time to be used: 6-8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut 2
Day 3: HOROMBO HUT
Day three is a day to acclimatize. It is highly recommended to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut so that you allow your body to acclimatize. This hiking increases your chances to reach the Uhuru Peak. With this comes a reward which is the magnificent views of Kibo. Afterwards, you are to return back to Horombo for a late lunch. You are to spend the afternoon and evening at Horombo. Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,400 m
- Distance Covered: 5km
- Time to be used: 2 – 3 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut 3
Day 4 : HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
The scenery turn out to be more rocky and rough as you leave behind kibo ,everlasting flower and other bizarre alpine plants Massive groundsels and lobelias appear in the sparse moorland. The trail up to Kibo will take between five and seven hours. Skirting Mawenzi Peak ass you pass the Last Water point then you cross a stark, almost lunar landscape to the Saddle which is a wide tundra desert between the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Here you will start getting fantastic views of the upper ranges of the mountain before arriving at Kibo Hut (4,705m), a dry-stone-walled hut with dorms and limited facilities. Tonight you prepare for tomorrow’s final assault – THE SUMMIT – re-packing to leave any non-essential items with the porters; you need to summon all your energy to get to the summit so there’s absolutely no point in carrying anything you don’t need! An early night is imperative as you must make a midnight start in order to reach the summit in the morning before the cloud cover settles, and then have time to get back down to the hut. Overnight stay at Kibo Hut for 1 night (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner). Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,730 m Altitude: 4,730 m to 5,895 m
- Distance Covered: 4 km up / 14 km down
- Time to be used: 7 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut 4
Day 5: KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN HOROMBO HUT
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there! Altitude: 3,700 m to 1,700 m.
- Distance Covered: 18km km down
- Time to be used: 5 – 7 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 5
Day 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MOSHI
The pace quickens as you continue your triumphant way back down across alpine meadow and past Mandara Hut through the rainforest to Marangu Gate where you board the vehicle for the journey back to Moshi/Arusha. Altitude: 3,700 m to 1,700 m
- Distance Covered: 20.8km km
- Time to be used: 8 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Marangu Price Inclusion
General
✓ Guide
✓ Park Fees
✓ Tax
✓ Gate transfer
✓ Crew wages
✓ Environment fees
Accommodation
During the climb you will spleep in Huts
Food
✓ 5 Breakfasts
✓ 6 Lunches
✓ 5 Dinners
✓ Drinking Water
Other
✓ Guide
✓ Porters
✓ Cook
Not Included
- Flights
- Crew Tips
- Visas
