Marangu Route 6 Days Highlights
Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular of the available kilimanjaro routes today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.
The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Aishi Machame Hotel. The ride there takes about 1.5 hours.
The Kilimanjaro “Coca-Cola” route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice, and will also will treat you to scenic African landscapes.
Being the most popular and the least expensive, the route may be crowded in July-September and December – March. A 6-day option is strongly recommended over the 5-day one for better acclimatization. Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′
Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain. Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone. Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs. Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to your hotel/lodge and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at hotel/lodge
Tour Itinerary
Arusha to Marangu gate – Mandara Hut
Altitude gain:6,046 ft to 8,858’ ft; Hiking time: 4-5 hours, 5 miles
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you’ll take your first step toward your goal – the roof of Africa. You’ll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimajari. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub’s Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. After reaching Mandara Hut you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Accommodations: Accommodations :Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp
8,858 ft to 12,205 ft :Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 7 miles
Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you’ll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the fairy-tale like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You’ll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that’s the really big one that you’ll be scaling in a few days.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimitization Day at Horombo Hut
12,205 ft to 14,400 ft : Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 3 miles
No need to pack you bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
12,205 ft to 15,430 ft : Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 6 miles
Today you’ll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut
15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to12,205 ft, 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.
You’ll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long nights sleep.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
12,205 ft to 6,046 ft : Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12 miles
Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.
Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure
If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure