Marangu Route 6 Days

Route Description

The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola Route.” This is because this route is the most popular on the mountain, and because the route is the only one that offers sleeping in huts, which serve beverages like Coca-Cola on the way.

The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended. The sleeping huts along the route are structures with a dining hall and bunk beds, equipped with mattresses and pillows. The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu’s overcrowded reputation. It is a cheapest trek as well, due to the fact that is the closest to Moshi, usual starting point, and because it is a shortest route.

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DAY 1

Arrival Kilimanjaro airport and drive to Moshi or Arusha overnight in the Hotel.

DAY 2

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation-1843 Meters to 2700 Meters: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi or Arushafor Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

DAY 3

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2700m to 3720m ; 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 4

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 3720m to 4100m (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

DAY 5

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation:3720m to 4703m (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 6

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 4703m to 5895m (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 5895m to 3720m (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 7

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3720m to 1843m (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

DAY 8

End of our service so we will drive to Kilimanjaro airport and fly back home.

Items included:

Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
Transfer to the hotel to Moshi or Arusha
Accommodation prior to the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
Transfer to the starting point.
Professional mountain crew. All guides have “Wilderness First Responder” and “Wilderness First Aid” certificates, along with over 10 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage)
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees;
Camping/hut fees;
3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;
Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters;
First aid kit;
Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel;
Accommodation after the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
Comfortable sleeping pads.
Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

* Basic tour package price includes sharing a twin room. If you need a single bed accommodation only, you should inform us before the tour.

** During the climb you will share a tent with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants. If you need an individual tent, please, contact us. Single accommodation at sleeping huts on Marangu is impossible.