Duration
Marangu Route 5 Days 4 Nights
Marangu Route 5 Days
$1,525 / Per Person
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Activities
Climbing, Hiking, Trekking
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Group size
No size limit
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Location
Kilimanjaro National Park
Overview
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 minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.
Included
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Private pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro international airport.
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Pre & Post Trek accommodation
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Park fees, huts fees & rescue fees 18% VAT on tour fees & services 4 Season big sleeping mountain tents Double layered Sleeping Mats
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Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
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Transportation to & from the mountain gate
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3 meals daily while on the mountain
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Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
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Filtered water throughout the treke
Exclude
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Flights
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips to mountain crew
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Laundry Services
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Insurance
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest 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 rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Distance: 7 km Hiking
- Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Overnight: Mandara Hut Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2 Mandara Huts to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 effects of the altitude.
- Distance: 12 km Hiking
- Time: 6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3 Horombo Hut to Kibo 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 heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Distance: 10 km Hiking
- Time: 6 - 8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4 Kibo Hut to Summit then to Horombo 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!
- Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down Hiking
- Time: 10 - 15 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha
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 or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
- Distance: 18 km Hiking
- Time: 5- 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.
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