6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.

The Marangu route is probably followed by 90% of all climbers!

The trek starts at Marangu Gate. Porters will carry all your personal items, equipments and supplies and cook prepares your delicious meals.

Marangu route has a well-defined path, which has been well set out where most obstacles have been modified to make it friendly. This is very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi and excellent prospects for viewing and to reach the summit. 

Day 0: JRO Airport – Moshi town

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; meet by our knowledgeable driver guide, after greetings and double check your bags will transfer you to Moshi town (45 minutes’ drive). Briefing will be provided by your Kilimanjaro professional and experienced guide. Your Kilimanjaro guide will also check your climbing equipment’s. Anything missing can be rented for you. 

Accommodation booking and airport transfer on request

A morning pre-climb briefing and introductions with our team precede the drive to Kilimanjaro Park’s Eastern Gate: Marangu, which lies at 1,860 m. Here, your head guide arranges all necessary permits and registration for rescue and search services before you start the walk to Mandara Hut’s 2,700 m. The trail takes you through rain forest with its high probability of rain showers, so bring a raincoat.

 This being your first day at high altitude we strongly recommend the following:

• Do not consume any caffeine or alcohol
• Drink often, a little at a time for a total daily intake of 4 litres minimum.
• Take Diamox for relief from altitude sickness symptoms. It is usually taken in the morning before the day’s climbing. Consult your physician before undertaking the trip to check for possible contraindications.
• Heed your body’s warnings and promptly inform your guide of any adverse symptoms.

Acclimatization-associated discomfort is common at night, when your body gets less oxygen than during the day. This is normally expressed in the form of nausea and headaches.

Change in Elevation:  Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)

Hiking Distance: 11km

Hiking Time:  5-7hours

Accommodation:         Mandara Hut 

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second-high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.

Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Change in Elevation: Mandara Hut (2,700m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Hiking Distance: 10km

Hiking Time:  5-6 hours

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation:  Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Destination en route to Kibo Hut (3,920m)

Hiking Distance:  2.5km

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Accommodation:        Horombo Hut 

You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and you walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 metres.

Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Accommodation:        Horombo Hut 

On this day, right after breakfast the group will be trekking to the Kibo Hut (4,700 m). The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the climbing Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, you will be served lunch, after which we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water.

Change in Elevation:  Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Hiking Distance: 10km

Hiking Time:  4- 8 hours

Accommodation:         Kibo Hut

Night departure from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro’s summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). This stretch of Marangu Route is of a moderate physical difficulty, but high altitude puts any climbers body to the test. For the entire length of the trekking each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

Please note: 90% of mountain accidents – including broken limbs – happen on the way down. However, they are easily avoided by taking care of how and where you step.

Change in Elevation:  Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Uhuru Peak (4,700m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Hiking Distance: 16km

Hiking Time:  9 – 12 hours

Accommodation:          Horombo Hut

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park’s exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to the airport to connect with your international flight back home.

Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m)

Hiking Distance: 18km

Hiking Time:  5 – 6 hours

Accommodation on arrival and departure day can be booked on request

End of tour!

Costs

ADD Moshi Accommodation & transfers

USD120 per single room per night on bed & breakfast

USD160 per double/twin per night on bed & breakfast

Inclusive 

• All meals during the trekking (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

• Drinking water

• Accommodations on mountain (Huts)

• Knowledgeable guide, assistance guide, cook, porters and rescue

• Entrance fee to the national park

• Hut fee

• Rescue fees

• Valued Added Tax (VAT) 18%

Exclusive

• International flights

• Visa for Tanzania

• Travel insurance

• Beverages

• Personal things like sleeping bags, rucksack, footwear, other clothing etc

• Tips to your guides/cook/porters and personal expenses such as laundry and communication.