6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Tour Overview
The 'Coca Cola' route or Marangu is the most frequented route on Kilimanjaro. This route is famous for offering huts as accommodation which are easier to access than other mountain climbing hotels. This makes it a better option for hiking during the rainy season.. The route starts at the southeastern side of Mt Kilimanjaro. Our base at Moshi town is very close to the entrance of the route, Marangu Gate Kilimanjaro national park head quarter. It takes approximately 1.2 hours to get there. This route features an elevation that is dotted with forests, zone of tropical rain, and perpetual ice, as well as picturesque African scenery. Day 0 - Arrivals As soon as you land at Kilimanjaro Airport JRO, you will meet with me for a short drive of about an hour to Moshi Town, where you will attend an orientation about your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at the Hotel or explore Moshi town, at your leisure. My assistance includes detailing the specifics of your trek, which requires me to check your trekking gears. If any gear is missing, I will assist you in renting those pieces at the local rental shops.
Highlights
- Highest Peak in Africa
- One of the Seven Summits
- Location Tanzania
- Non-Technical Climb
- Stunning Sunrise at the Summit
- Camping - Accommodation
- Unique Landscapes and Wildlife
- A Bucket-List Achievement
Day to Day Trip
Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, we will set off for Marangu gate. Once we have registered with the park authorities, our climb will officially begin with a four-hour walk to the Mandara hut. Our guides will constantly repeat the phrase, “pole pole, hakuna matata”, which means “proceed slowly, no stress” in Swahili. We will pass through dense tropical rainforest zone and will finally spend the night at Mandara Hut. The Mandara Hut is equipped with sleeping bunks, running water and flush toilets. Elevation: Marangu gate 1700m to Mandara 2720m Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 Mandara hut to Horombo hut
Today's journey starts with a brief trek through the climbing zone and advances into the moorland zone at approximately 3,000m. This elevation is attainable within a six hour walk. We wish to see the breathtaking views of the mountain peaks that are possible at this altitude. We wish to have some rest and get some sleep at Horombo Hut (3,720m) which is situated in a basin that is encompassed by giant lobelia which grows to 3m in height and groundsel, or Senecio Kilimanjari, that can reach 5m. The flora is characteristic of the semi alpine zone that we are in. Bathing facilities areprovided with flowing water. Our group shall take a bowl with hot washing water while our cook gets ready with the dinner. Elevation: Mandara hut 2720m to Horombo hut 3720m Distance: 12km/7.5mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Acclimitization Day at Horombo Hut
There's no need to pack your bags today as you will be spending a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatization stroll to Zebrarocks and the bottom of Mawenzi Peak where splendid views of Kibo capturing the saddle will be waiting for you. You may also spend the rest of the day at camp, relaxing and recovering from your previous adventures. Elevation: Horombo hut 3720m to Zebra rock 4000m Distance: 1.5km Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Moorland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 Horombo hut to Kibo Hut
We begin the gradual walk into the moorland, the plants become barren as we reach the alpine zone which looks similar to a desert (around 4000 meters). For today, the hike will be at a slower pace to allow for easier acclimatization, but we need to monitor for signs of altitude sickness. The climb will take you between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – you’ll need the rest to load up on energy for the summit hike. Elevation: Horombo hut 3720m to Kibo hut 4700m Distance: 9km/5.6mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Kibo hut to Summit to Horombo hut
On the hike to Uhuru Peak, the last part of the climb to Uhuru Peak occurs after midnight. First, you have the daunting task of completing a five hour ascent to Gillman’s Point on the rim of the crater. It is the easiest of the three routes up the crater, but not exactly a walk in the park. William’s Point is the first major stop and rests at an astounding 5000 meters. It takes about two hours to reach the point from Kibo hut. After that, you have a further thirty minutes of hiking before you start the rocky switchbacks that lead to Gillman’s Point. The altitude mark here is 5681 meters. The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is gradual and not tough. Circumstances caused by the altitude render the entire journey lengthy and exhausting. You’ll take two hours to hike along the crater rim. You’ll notice that the views on the way down are nothing if not breathtaking. Stop at Kibo Hut to grab a bite before heading onto Horombo Hut which you reach during day. Following that, enjoy the last few nights spent on the mountain. Elevation: Kibo hut 4720m to UHURU PEAK 5895m/19,341ft Down toHorombo hut 3720m Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat : Ice-capped, Stone scree, Heather and moorland Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu gate
After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak and soaking in the experience, you are well-rested and ready to tackle the journey towards civilization. The return trip is easier, and you’ll be hiking through mesmerizing moorland which will take you to Mandara Hut. After Mandara Hut, it’s just a steep walk through a serene forest pathway, which leads you directly to the National Park gate at Marangu. Marangu Gate is equipped with everything you require, including your summit certificates. Don’t forget to show gratitude towards your guide, cook, and porters for their help during the hike. Now it’s time to let loose and enjoy the well-deserved celebration! Elevation: Horombo hut 3720m to Marangu gate 1870m Distance: 19km /11mi Descend Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Moorland and Montane forest Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
INCLUDED
- Park fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Purified and filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the
- Supplemental Oxygen & Pulse Oximeter
- Hot Water For Wash on all days in the mountain
- All accommodation before and after your trek (Bed & Breakfast)
- 2-way airport transfers – 1 on arrival and 1 on departure
EXCLUDED
- Flights, Visa and Travel Insurance
- Gratitude/Tips to crew members (highly recommended)
- Personal Climbing Gears
- Laundry Services
- Items of a personal nature