Item Code: 75-897
$ 1,943
6 Days Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route
Tour Overview
The Marangu Route, often known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is the oldest and one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. By choosing this route, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Hans Meyer, who made the first successful summit in 1889. This trail runs through Kilimanjaro National Park, crossing all the mountain’s climatic zones, from tropical forest to alpine desert. Uniquely, it is the only route offering dormitory-style huts for overnight stays.
Thinking about the Marangu Route? It’s a great option during the rainy seasons mid-March to late May, and late October to late December since the huts provide dry and comfortable shelter. The Marangu Route is available in 5- and 6-day variations, with the 6-day option being significantly less strenuous.
Duration
5 Days
Tour Type
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Age
12+
Language
English
Tour Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork 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.
- Elevation: 1,970m to 2,700m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
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.
- Elevation: (2,700m) to (3,720m)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Montane forest transitioning to moorland
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
- Elevation: Horombo Huts (3,720m)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Alpine desert
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.
- Elevation: (3,720m) to (4,703m)
- Hiking Time: Not specified
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Habitat: Heathland and alpine desert
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.
- Elevation: Kibo Huts (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 7-8 hours descent
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
- Habitat: Glacial zone
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.
- Elevation: (3,720m) to (1,830m/6,000ft)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: Not specified
- Difficulty: Easy
- Habitat: Rainforest
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.
Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Tour Route Map
Price Includes
- Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
- Oxygen Cylinder
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
- Camping equipment (tents sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Medically qualified mountaın guides, cooks, and porters
- 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
Price Excludes
- Flights (International)
- Visa fees
- Travel or medical insurance is required, and you should ask for recommendations
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
- Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Book This Tour
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