KILIMANJARO – MARANGU – 5 DAYS

The Marangu route is one of the most moulded route with a well-advanced and gradual trail all the way to the Kibo base camp and finally to the Mount Kilimanjaro summit. It is deemed to be the comfier and easiest route for its gentleness, as your climb is constant and moderate with only the trek to the summit which is a bit more challenging. Being referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route is a little deceiving and this has misled many climbers to believe that it is a completely easy route to the summit. The fact that it is affordable in a minimum of 5 – 6 days to accomplish, it does not mean that it is easier than any other route despite the fact that it is the only route where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents via other routes. For those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belts, we highly recommend that they take an optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts.

The Marangu route commence at the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) headquarters in the of Marangu village and heads towards Kibo straight westwards. The walking trails leads through the lush rainforest, heath and alpine desert to moorland and finally across the arctic zone to the peak and same route for descent.

Accommodation via Marangu Route will be in Huts.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi

Our driver and representatives will be waiting to meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for a transfer to the Hotel in Moshi for relaxation and overnight. Prior to your arrival at the hotel, if time allows; our professional guide will meet you for a short briefing about the trip and conduct a quick equipment check. If you will require any trekking gear to be borrowed it will be arranged at the earliest convenience. Your trek will commence the next day morning for the most amazing adventure of a life time.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m / 6103ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8859ft)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the registration process has been completed, you will find yourself in the dense rainforest for the long awaited adventure. Alongside the authentic vegetation, you will have a chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater Rim for acclimatization where you can enjoy the wonderful views of Lake Jipe and Lake Chala a few miles away underneath the Kilimanjaro plains.

Distance: 8.5km / 5.3mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast:  Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m / 8859ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft)

The day begins with an early morning breakfast at Mandara Hut before you head towards the wood line and across the heath and moorland zone. Today we will hike for about 4 – 6 hours with a pause on the way for lunch and a little relaxation before we reach to the Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft). The Horombo Hut at its elevation offers fantastic views of the Mawenzi Peak and the Kibo Peak with eye catching sights of the Kilimanjaro plains.

Distance: 11.7km / 7.3mi

Duration: 4 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

On this day, we will have a bit longer hiking distance to a higher altitude which requires strenuous efforts and adhering to hiking professional guidelines from your guide. The hiking trail passes across the “Last Water point” heading towards the “saddle” vegetation less plateau that joins the main summit of Kibo with Mawenzi peak on the right hand. For about – 6 hours we will reach to our final destination at the Kibo base camp. Prior to arriving at the camp, your professional guide will arrange a short briefing for the last part of the ascending adventure before you enjoy an early dinner and take a short night rest for the midnight hike to the summit will be awaiting.

Distance: 9.5km / 6mi

Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

On this day, your trekking guide will wake you up at midnight for the final stage “The Hike to the Summit”. Your final ascent to the “Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft” will start at around 00:00 am midnight which will require your full attention and will power to conquer the summit. On this night, considering all the necessary equipments for the summit trek is primarily inevitable. We will pass through the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m and climb slowly but sure “Pole pole” to reserve your energy. You will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the Kilimanjaro crater rim at sunrise, where the sun will slowly start shine. At this point, you will be able to take a few captions of the memorable eye catching sights of the sunrise rise views as the rays of the sun illuminates the early morning clouds. The heat of the sun will warm up the remaining hours of the day leaving behind the cold hours of the night. From the Gilman’s point you will take a hike of about 1 – 2 hours via the Stella Point reaching to the Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft. After taking a few pictures at the Uhuru Peak signboard, we will begin our descent by returning back to Gilman’s point via the Stella Point, descending on scree slope and track back to Kibo base camp for breakfast, before you finally descend down to Horombo Hut for a warm meal and a long well-earned rest.

Distance: 21.5km / 13.4mi

Duration: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6103ft)

On this day, we will walk through the heath and moorland zone for about 3 – 4 hours to reaching the Mandara Hut (2700m) where you will be welcomed with a warm lunch to adjust your belts. After a warm lunch and a short rest, you will find yourself in the tropical rainforest for a walk of about 2 – 3 hours to reach back to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). At the Park gate prior to receiving your Summit success achievement Certificates, you will be able to say a farewell and shake hands with your trekking team for the work well-done. Our vehicle will be waiting for you to return back to the hotel for dinner, a warm shower and relaxation, celebrating your well-earned achievements.

Distance: 20.2km / 12.6mi

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

Accommodation: Accommodation is at the previous hotel

*For those having a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.