The Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route 6 Days

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What to Expect on this life-time adventure

Often known as the “Coca Cola Route” – the Marangu Route is one of the most common roads to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers assume that the Marangu path is the easiest route to the Uhuru mountain since it is the only route that can be hiked within 5 days (making it the cheapest option).

It is also the only path providing mountain lodging in the A-frame huts. Unfortunately, it is well known that the 5-day Marangu path has one of the lowest peak performance rates of all the uphill paths. If you want the Marangu path, we highly suggest a 6-day hike to improve your chances of reaching the summit successfully.

This is the only route that offers cozy shared sleeping huts, complete with beds and mattresses for any overnight stay. Mineral beverages, soft drinks, soda, and chocolates are also available at most markets. The Marangu path uses the same route for ascending and descending.

Itinerary - Day by Day

  • Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania

    You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your accommodations in Arusha town. During the short drive (approximately one hour) your driver/guide will brief you on your African Safari. Today you will spend your time at your leisure and relax for your upcoming exciting adventure.
    Accommodation Masailand Hotel, bed and breakfast

  • Day 1: Drive to Marangu route Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

    After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya.

    In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

    — Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
    — Distance: 8km/5mi
    — Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    — Habitat: Montane Forest

    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Mandara Hut

  • Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

    You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

    — Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
    — Distance: 12km/7.5mi
    — Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    — Habitat: Heathland

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

  • Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

    Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

  • Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

    Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

    — Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
    — Distance: 9km/5.5mi
    — Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    — Habitat: Alpine Desert

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut

  • Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to 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!

    — Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
    — Down to 3700m/12,200ft
    — Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
    — Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
    — Habitat: Alpine Desert

    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

  • Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi or Arusha

    After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.

    Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (about 1 hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

    — Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
    — Distance: 20km/12.5mi
    — Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    — Habitat: Forest

    Meals included: Breakfast

Request a free quote for this Adventure

INCLUSIVE TO THE PRICE COST:
– All accommodations per itinerary
– All meals per itinerary
– All tours and entrance fees per itinerary
– All transportation and transfers per itinerary
– National Park gate fees
– Transport from/to the park gate
– Camping fees
– Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
– Salaries for all crew members
– Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
– Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
– Oximeters
– Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

EXCLUSIVE TO THE PRICE COST:
– International and domestic flights
– Meals not listed
– Beverages and alcohol
– Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
– Optional tours
– Single room supplement
– Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
– Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-550/person)
– Sleeping bags and personal gear $45 for a single tent
– Low season discount in April/May

Gallery

Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure on Picture