MARANGU ROUTE - KILIMANJARO HIKING

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, is one of the most popular and oldest routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its relative ease and is the only route with hut accommodation.

Considerations
Crowds:
This route can be quite busy, especially during peak seasons.
Acclimatization: The Marangu Route has a shorter acclimatization period compared to longer routes like the Lemosho or Northern Circuit. The acclimatization day is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Weather: Weather conditions can vary, and the route passes through different climate zones, so be prepared for changes.

The Marangu Route is a great option for those who prefer hut accommodations and have a limited time frame. Despite being considered easier, climbers should still be prepared for the physical demands of high-altitude trekking.

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Days 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Distance covered:12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Days 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi ridge Back To Horombo
Elevation (ft): 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 (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
Accommodation: Horombo

>>> 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.

Days 4: Horombo to Kibo Hut
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Days 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12hours - 15hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Days 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Moshi/arusha

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

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PRICE INCLUDES

-Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
-2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
-Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate.
-Park entry fees.
-Camping fees.
-Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
-18% VAT on tour fees & services.
-4 Season mountain tents.
-Double layered Sleeping Mats.
-Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
-3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
-Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
-Hot water for washing.
-Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
-Government taxes.
-Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter.
-Emergency first-aid kit.

PRICE EXCLUDES

-Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
-Travel insurance.
-Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 70 for the entire trek.
-Flights.
-Laundry (Available at hotel).
-Personal items and toiletries.
-Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).
*Tips on Mountain Kilimanjaro are recommended for group sharing as follows:
-Guide $20/guide/day
-Cook $15/day
-Porters $10/porter/day


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