Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
$2200
/ per person
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The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Kilimanjaro + Safari Combo Discount: Save $65/person when you book a Kilimanjaro Trek and Safari (5 days or more).
All our Kilimanjaro treks are offered as a private trip, starting on any day. We offer group departures on the Machame Route only.
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Destination
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Departure
Arusha -
Departure Time
Approximately 8.30AM -
Return Time
Approximately 7.30PM -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable and light -
Included
AccommodationAirport PickupAirport TransferFoodMountain GuidePark FeesProfessional GuideRescue fees -
Not Included
Guide
From our gallery
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Tour Plan
1
Arrival
On your arrival, we will arrange for a driver to pick you up from the airport to your hotel. Usually, a day before starting an expedition, your guide will meet you at the hotel around 5:00 pm for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. Feel free to ask your guide any questions you have about your trip.
Usually, breakfast is saved around 7:00 am at your hotel and your guide will pick you up from 7:30 am to 8:00 am. Please ensure that you have packed your bags before breakfast, have signed everything you don't need on the mountain to reception and your valuables to the hotel's safe that includes your passports, as provided that you only need photocopies for national parks formalities except for under 16s, their ORIGINAL PASSPORTS are needed.
In the case of group members being in different hotels that time might change to later. Expect further warning for that.
2
Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut (LD)
Elevation: 1,843 m to 2,700 m / 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate (1,843 meters) on the South-East side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Typically you will be driven to the gate from Arusha. It takes over three hours to reach Marangu gate.
At the gate, you will register to the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, and witness porters assembling and weighing packs of gear that they will be carrying up the mountain. Day one is a gradual trek through the Kilimanjaro rainforest and takes 5-7 hours to complete.
Your first night is spent in the Mandara A-frame Huts (2,700 meters) which come equipped with solar-generated lighting, flush toilets and water piped in from a nearby mountain stream. Each hut has 6-8 bunk beds. If you are a light sleeper we suggest bringing earplugs!
3
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700 m to 3,720 m / 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day two on the Marangu Route begins with an early start. You will be served breakfast and should be on your way by the latest 08:00.
The trek continues through the rainforest, around the base of the Maundi Crater, and then transitions rather rapidly into the low alpine moorland zone.
If the weather is clear you should definitely take the opportunity to scramble up the Maundi Crater to get your first full view of Kibo.
During the trek, you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude. Day two takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete and covers a significant distance (11.5km / 7miles).
At Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) you will be served dinner and shown to your sleeping quarters for the night.
4
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,389 m / 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,389 m to 3,720 m / 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is an important acclimatization day at Horombo. Most tour operators will take hikers on a hike towards Mawenzi. This is a 3-hour hike up and about 1.5 hours back. We highly recommend it as it will assist with acclimatization.
5
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,703 m / 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will depart from Horombo Hut early and begin a 1,000-meter ascent to Kibo Hut which covers a distance of approximately 10km.
There are two routes to Kibo. The first, or upper route, forks to the right. Six-day trekkers would have trekked this route on their acclimatization day to Mawenzi Hut. You will most likely take the lower left-hand route as it is easier and nearly an hour shorter. On the left-hand route, you will pass the last water point at 4,130 meters.
Remember to carry enough water for the trek as we recommend 3 liters, to simply make 5 liters a day as you keep drinking at camp. This will help you stay hydrated.
At Kibo Hut you will be served an early dinner and should try to get to bed before 19:00 as you will be awoken around 23:30 to start your 1,150-meter ascent to Uhuru Peak. Make sure that you have all your gears ready for a prompt departure, including insulated water bottles/camel bags, snacks, your headlamp, your camera, and your medical kit.
6
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (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: 5,895 m to 3,720 m / 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day five begins with summit night. After being awoken you will be served some hot tea and biscuits and will then begin your summit ascent.
The route follows a rocky path to the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 meters. It then continues to zigzag for a good 2-3 hours until you get to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters) on Kibo’s crater rim. You will most likely be very tired at this point.
Take some time to rest and refuel with a snack. The final push is tough and requires mental stamina. Focus on moving slowly and deliberately for the final 200-meter ascent.
At Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) you will not be able to stay too long so make sure to get all the pictures you want to take and then begin your descent back to Kibo Hut, and onto Horombo Hut. In total, you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it!
7
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720 m to 2,700 m / 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day six from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate is nearly 20km but usually only takes 7 hours to complete. You will be exhausted at this stage and spend most of the hike imagining the hot shower you will be having that evening.
After reaching the Marangu Gate we will collect our summit certificates and meet our vehicle here, then drive back to Arusha via Moshi for Lunch and celebration. It is customary to present your trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this point.
Gallery
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
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