5 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

Overview

The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the  most oldest well established route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route which accomodates climbers in huts instead of camping. There are adequate bunks in Mandara, Horombo and Kibo. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required.

Marangu route is one of the easiest path on the mountain, for its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. However, this route is less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also tends to be most crowded route.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival

A well presented driver will be at Kilimanjaro International Aiport for pick up and followed by a one hour drive  to your hotel/lodge in Moshi town. Your guide will be coming at your place where you stay for pre-climb briefing and gear check. 

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), 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: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today, we emerge from the rain forest and continue to ascend through heathland, the view of giant lobelias and groundsels can be seen around. Then we continue up to moorlands where the main vegetation are small shrubs. We stop for lunch in the mid of the day whileviewing an amazing of Mawenzi peak. We set todays destionation at the Horombo Huts on a late afternoon. A spectacular view Kibo Summit is seen from this camp.

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

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

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

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Around midnight, we begin our trail up to the summit. This is the most challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), magnificent sunrise will be coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

On our last day, we continue the descent to Marangu Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.


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

Group price