Kilimanjaro is more than just a mountain, it's a journey
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu route is the oldest route to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also known as Coca Cola Route or Tourist Route. This route used to be very famous by slowly losing its popularity over the Machame route. Moreover, the Marangu route gives trekkers the spectacular Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering across-the-board views and a delightful hiking adventure from the start to the Roof of Africa. The uniqueness of the Marangu Route is that it doesn’t allow camping rather the tourists sleep in permanent huts established in identified stops. Their huts are built-in dormitory-style that provide extra protection from the wind and rain. Another, uniqueness of the Marangu route is the only route among 7 routes that use the same route going up and coming back down. Moreover, the huts on the Marangu route are typically shared by four clients. If a group has fewer than four people, the clients may have to share the hut with strangers. However, there is an option to hire the entire room for an additional fee. The total distance of the Marangu route is 82km (50 miles).
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
After all custom formalities, you will appear at the arrival area where you will meet Know-Tanzania Tour drivers holding a signboard with your booking names. After checking that you have all your luggage and belongings, the driver will take you and transfer you to the lodge/hotel. It is recommended to have one day off after arrival in the hotel that can be used to relief the jetlag as well as acclimatization. The same day will also be used pre-trek briefing and gear testing/verification at your hotel/lodge. This means, a client will spend two nights in the hotel.
Day 1: Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara hut
Soon after breakfast at the lodge/hotel, our driver will take you to Marangu gate. Thereafter, paperwork for clearance will be done ready to start enjoying nature through the dense rainforest. The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate 1905m/6250ft on the South-East side of Mount Kilimanjaro. While hiking if lucky enough you might have a glimpse of black and white colobus monkeys. The hiking might take up to 4 hours before you get to the first destination of the day, the Mandara Hut 2723m/8934ft. Expect a total walking time of approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering just over 8.3 km. The walk starts in mid-morning and pause for a picnic lunch at 1:00 PM. Continue your journey until you reach the hut by 4:00 PM. Dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Although the terrain is uphill, today’s walk is enjoyable, offering opportunities to spot blue monkeys and admire the lush rainforest vegetation along the way.
- Distance: 3km | 4-5 hrs. | Rainforest
- Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
- Altitude gained: 818m.
Day 2: Mandara hut – Horombo hut
After an early breakfast the team will leave the short forest stretch, cross a meadow and a wooded stream, and emerge into grassland. The trek continues across numerous moorland ravines before reaching Horombo Hut at an elevation of 3721m/12,208ft. The climb from Mandara to Horombo takes 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance of 12.5 kilometers with an altitude gain of 998 meters. The journey begins around the base of Maundi Crater, a beautiful spot and the remnant of a volcanic vent, where lush Tussock grasses and glorious views abound. Heading northwest, the crew will follow the trail through alpine meadows, crossing a stream to reach grassland and eventually entering the moorland. Along the way, our client may catch their first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic summits. Lunch will be a picnic consisting of the choice of our client. The team will spend overnight at Horombo Hut, located in a rocky valley that offers clear-day views of Moshi town below and often rewards hikers with a magnificent sunset at the end of the day.
- Distance: 5km | 6-8hrs | Mooreland
- Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
- Altitude gained: 998m.
Day 3: Acclimatization at Horombo hut (3720m/12090ft)
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Acclimatization day during hiking is crucial to prevents altitude sickness, improves your physical efficiency, and increases the chances of successfully reaching the summit without severe health issues. So, after breakfast, the hike will hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) and Zebra Rocks for a 3-hour acclimatization walk before returning to Horombo Huts (3720m) for lunch and resting until the next day. It’s a relaxing day at Horombo Hut with a short hike and a return. This extra day is meant for acclimatization and can include a day hike on Mawenzi Ridge, offering unique views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Distance: 5km | 2-3hrs | Mooreland
- Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4,020m/13,189ft
- Altitude gained: 300
Day 4: Horombo hut – Kibo hut
The journey from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut takes 6-8 hours, covering 10.5km with an altitude gain of 993m. The route gradually becomes steeper and rockier as you pass the ‘Last Water’ point and traverse the stark landscape up to ‘The Saddle,’ a broad lava-stone ridge between Mawenzi and Kibo. Stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s upper reaches unfold as you proceed. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut 4714m/15,466ft, the trekker will enjoy a hot meal, a relaxing evening, and an early bedtime to ensure you are well-rested for the midnight start of your final ascent to the summit.
- Distance: 5km | 6-8hrs | Semi Desert
- Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
- Altitude gained: 993m.
Day 5: Kibo hut to Uhuru Peak
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek covering an average of 6km. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. The ascent starts in the midnight darkness around 01h00 which takes an average of 3 hours to Hans Meyer Cave where the hiker and the team will take a short rest. After this follow a steeper ascent of about 3 hours to Ratzel Glacier, Johannes Notch and Gilman’s Point, located along the crater rim, the hiker will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! Finally, the team will arrive at Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. The views from Uhuru Peak are breathtaking. Have your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family. The weather will dictate how long you can stay at the summit, generally around 5-15 minutes
- Distance: 6km | 7-8hrs | Semi Desert
- Elevation: 4703m/15,285ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Altitude gained: 1192m.
Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
After spending a few moments taking pictures on the roof of Africa and hiker enjoying their accomplishment the team will start descending journey. From the Uhuru Peak the team will trek for about 3 hours down to Kibo for at least for rest and lunch. Soon after lunch the trekkers and the team will continue their descent for 3-5 hours to the Horombo encampment.
- Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Rainforest
- Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,720m (12,205ft
- Altitude lost: 2,175m.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha
After breakfast, the team will begin their descent from Horombo Hut through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, covering a distance of 20km in about 6-7 hours. Upon arrival at the gate 1905m/6250ft, you will receive a certificate if you made it to the summit. Thereafter, the crew, climber and some member from the office will meet at the gate for a brief celebration and lunch with a brief reflection of the adventure. Thereafter, A car will then drive you back to your hotel in Arusha town, where you can enjoy a hot shower, rest, and conclude your climb. The client will then enjoy dinner as they spend their night at Lodge / Hotel in Arusha.
- Distance: 20km |6-7hrs | Rainforest
- Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
- Altitude lost: 1816m.
Departure/Safari Day
Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
This can either be the last day in Tanzania or the first day if a client opt to do Safari to our beautiful National Parks. If the last day, our client will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport after breakfast. However, if you decided to go back home but have ample time before your flight you will have an opportunity to visit the Maasai market to buy gifts for your family and friends back home.
Trip Inclusions/Exclusions
These prices include:
- Airport pick-up and drop
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after climb)
- Group transport to and from Arusha to the trail head
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, and Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Sleeping pad, foam
- Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
- Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Breakfast at hotel
Not included in the budget:
- Dinner while in the hotel
- Alcohol
- Extra personal mountain gears if needed
- rescue fees
- Insurance
- Private toilet
- Tips for the crew
- Any other thing that not included in the budget
