Marangu Route Kilimanjaro 5/6 Days
PRICES STARTING FROM $1,700 USD PER PERSON*
Famously known as the “Coca-Cola Route”, Marangu is the easiest, cheapest and by far one of the busiest routes to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This route offers a shorter acclimatization period than most others and is preferred by those on a budget or who wish to spend less time on the mountain.
Beginning on the south-east side of the mountain, the descent also takes the same route. Climbs can take five or six days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit. This is also the only route to offer accommodation in dormitory-style huts.
ITINERARY
Moshi Arrival
Meet-and-greet at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Moshi.http://www.panamagardenresort.co.tz
Once you have arrived in Moshi, we will arrange a pre-climbing brief with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct gears and equipment. We will also talk you through what to expect on your climb to the highest point in Africa and answer any questions/concerns you may have.
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft) to Mandara Huts (2,700m/ 8,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 870 metres / 2,900 feet
After breakfast, you’ll get picked up from your accommodation in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Marangu (approx 45 minutes). The climb starts at Marangu Gate (1,830m), followed by a 5 to 7 hour walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations to reach Mandara Hut (2,700m), close by Maundi Crater. You may also be lucky enough to see black and white colobus monkeys on your way up.
Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700m/8,900ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,020 metres/ 3,300 feet
On your second day, you will follow the gently ascending path through the open Alpine Meadow to Horombo Hut. The path takes you through giant heather trees as you make your way up to the moorland. Some portions of the trail are steep but you have a great view of Mawenzi peak. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Horombo Huts (3,720m) – Acclimatization Day – OPTIONAL
An extra day at Horombo Hut provides an opportunity to acclimatize and increase your chances of making it to the summit. There are a number of walks within the vicinity of the huts which are strongly recommended to further help with the process of acclimatizing to the altitude. The most popular hike is to the Mawenzi Saddle, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way (approximately three-hour hike round-trip).
Day 4: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft)
Elevation Gain: 980 metres / 3,200 feet
After a full breakfast, you will then continue to trek at a slow pace through the heathland, which quickly turns into an almost lunar-like landscape as you enter the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. From here you will start to get fantastic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit before arriving at Kibo Hut after 5 to 6 hours of walking. Rest for the evening and prepare for your final ascent to the summit!
Day 5: SUMMIT DAY! – Kibo Huts (4,700m/ 15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 metres / 3,940 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 metres / 7,140 feet
This is where the going gets really tough! The climb to the summit starts at around 12:00am. For about 6 hours you will be climbing the steepest and most challenging part of your journey. The path zigzags back and forth along a gravel path to Gilman’s Point, (5,685m) on the crater rim. Less than 2 hours are then taken to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Congratulations, you have now made it to the highest point in Africa! From here you will descend going straight down to Horombo Hut (with a short, well-deserved rest at Kibo Huts where you can collect the rest of your belongings). The descent usually takes a further 6 to 7 hours.
Day 6: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,890 metres / 6,200 feet
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro! The day is spent descending to Marangu Gate via a scenic path through the rainforest. The descent to the gate will take approximately 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Transfer back to accommodation in Moshi.
NB: 5 Day Itinerary for Marangu Route – The difference between the six-day and five-day climbs is that you don’t spend an extra night in Horombo Hut for acclimatization.
OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- All park fees (entry, camping, forest department and rescue fees)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on the mountain
- Pre/post accommodation (2 nights in mid-range hotel)**
- Airport transfers**
- Hut accommodation and facilities
- Fair and ethical salaries for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- Transport to and from the gate
- Drinking water
- Oxygen cylinder and ox meter
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips for the team (guide, assistant guide, cook and porters)
- All personal mountain climbing gear and equipment
- Alcohol, soft drinks and energy snacks
- Flights, travel insurance, visa and any required vaccinations.
Related Tour
1.Machame 6/7 days hike.
2.Rongai 6/7 days hike.
3.Lemosho 7/8 days hike
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, and kayaking adventures all over Tanzania, made for outdoor types.
Service Level: Camping
Camping most nights with some hotel/hostel stays to start and throughout; affordable public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 5 – Challenging
Serious high-altitude hikes, cycling, or other instances of heavy exercise. Come prepared to sweat a bit.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 12, avg 7
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
CREW LIST IDEA FOR 2 CLIENT IS PER BELLOW:
- 1 Lead guide
- 1 Assistance guide
- 1 Cook
- 1 Waiter
- 7 Regular porters
* Prices depend on the number of climbers in the group, the route you choose, and how many days you wish to climb. Please contact us directly to receive a quote.
**Accommodation and airport transfers are included in our Mount Kilimanjaro packages as standard. If you do not require either of these services, let us know and we can adjust your quote.
Interested in the above package? Contact us today to book your climb to the “Roof of Africa” with Kili Footprints!