Marangu Route 5-Days
Itinerary in glance:
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
5: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi
Route description:
The Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit and is
known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with
the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp.
This route is usually done in 5 days, but you can do it in 6 days for better
acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a base
camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.
Full Itinerary:
Arrival Day
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha/Moshi town for your
overnight. (Airport transfer and accommodation will be on your own account
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Height (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitation: Rain Forest
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Marangu gate for the necessary formalities before
beginning your trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest, near the upper edge
of the forest line (keep an eye out for blue monkeys). The trail then widens to expose
beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Height (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitation: Health
Your second day on the track begins with a steep, but not technical ascent through
forest and opens into high moorland. If weather allows, 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 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Height (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitation: Alpine Desert
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi
and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at
camp we rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Height (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitation: Arctic
Leaving very early in the morning (around midnight), we continue our way to the summit
in hopes of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree
slope, with climbers stretched into the darkness, visible only by headlamps. It is
important to focus on breathing and foot placement. The views from the summit are
dramatic and immense. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and
your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Height (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitation: Rain Forest
A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park
headquarters at Marangu gate, you will receive your certificates that prove your
achievement. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cook and porters. A vehicle will meet you
at the Park Gate to drive you back to hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a celebration.
End of Tour *
Price:
US $1,678 per person traveling Minimum – 2 pax
Costing above Includes:
- Transport to and from mountain gates.
- All parks entry fees.
- All camping fees.
- Rescue fees.
- Guide and porters fees.
- Guide and porters salaries.
- All accommodations on the mountain based on three meals a day.
- Cook and all kitchen utensils.
Costing above Excludes:
- International and local flights
- Accommodation before climb and last day after climb book with us.
- Airport transfers book with us.
- Tips, drinks and all items of personal nature
- Hard and soft drinks and tips
- Sleeping bags but we can provide for hire on request.
- All Mountain Gears (we can arrange hire of these)