Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is sometimes referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” or the “Tourist Route” because it is the simplest and shortest way to reach the summit. It is the only route with huts located at each campsite, providing beds with sponge mattresses and pillows, as well as solar lighting.
The huts are communal, housing 60 beds each at Mandara and Kibo, and 120 beds at Horombo. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts, while basic latrines are available at the last camp.
Climbing groups from around the world congregate in the dining huts, and soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be purchased at the huts for small Tanzanian bills.
This route is usually completed in five days, but taking six days for better acclimatization is also an option, with the extra day spent either at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
INCLUDES:
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- 2 nights 3-star accommodations in Moshi (upgrade possible)
- Round-trip transfers for the Kilimanjaro Airport (shared)
- National Park gate fees
- Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi
- Hut fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
- Cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
- Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
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EXCLUDES:
- 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 $350-500/person)
- Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and personal gear
- Single tent
- Low season discount in April/May
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Details
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
A driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Moshi or Arusha
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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mandara 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
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo 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
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
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 (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, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue on for your safari.
Meals included: Breakfast
