5 Days Marangu Kilimanjaro Climbing

$1600.00
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50
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(1)
5 /5
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Overview

The Marangu route is one of the most established paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, featuring a well-maintained and gradual trail that leads all the way to Kibo base camp and ultimately to the summit. It is often considered the most comfortable and easiest route due to its gentle slopes. On this trek, the climb is steady and moderate, with the only significant challenge being the final ascent to the summit. The nickname ‘Coca-Cola Route’ can be misleading, as many climbers mistakenly assume it’s an easy hike to the top.

While the Marangu route can be completed in 5 to 6 days, making it more affordable, this does not mean it’s necessarily easier than other routes. One of its key distinctions is that it’s the only route where you sleep in huts rather than tents, but we recommend an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Huts for those without prior high-altitude trekking experience.

The route starts at the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) headquarters in Marangu village and heads west toward Kibo. Hikers pass through various landscapes, including lush rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and moorland, before reaching the arctic zone at the summit. The descent follows the same path, and accommodations along the way are in wooden huts.

Highlights

Tour Plan

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Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – drive to Moshi

Our driver and representatives will be waiting to meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for a transfer to the Hotel in Moshi for relaxation and overnight. Prior to your arrival at the hotel, if time allows; our professional guide will meet you for a short briefing about the trip and conduct a quick equipment check. If you will require any trekking gear to be borrowed it will be arranged at the earliest convenience. Your trek will commence the next day morning for the most amazing adventure of a life time.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m / 6103ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8859ft)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the registration process has been completed, you will find yourself in the dense rainforest for the long awaited adventure. Alongside the authentic vegetation, you will have a chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater Rim for acclimatization where you can enjoy the wonderful views of Lake Jipe and Lake Chala a few miles away underneath the Kilimanjaro plains.

Distance: 8.5km / 5.3mi

Duration: 3 – 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast:  Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m / 8859ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft)

The day begins with an early morning breakfast at Mandara Hut before you head towards the wood line and across the heath and moorland zone. Today we will hike for about 4 – 6 hours with a pause on the way for lunch and a little relaxation before we reach to the Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft). The Horombo Hut at its elevation offers fantastic views of the Mawenzi Peak and the Kibo Peak with eye catching sights of the Kilimanjaro plains.

Distance: 11.7km / 7.3mi

Duration: 4 – 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

On this day, we will have a bit longer hiking distance to a higher altitude which requires strenuous efforts and adhering to hiking professional guidelines from your guide. The hiking trail passes across the “Last Water point” heading towards the “saddle” vegetation less plateau that joins the main summit of Kibo with Mawenzi peak on the right hand. For about - 6 hours we will reach to our final destination at the Kibo base camp. Prior to arriving at the camp, your professional guide will arrange a short briefing for the last part of the ascending adventure before you enjoy an early dinner and take a short night rest for the midnight hike to the summit will be awaiting.

Distance: 9.5km / 6mi

Duration: 7 – 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

On this day, your trekking guide will wake you up at midnight for the final stage “The Hike to the Summit”. Your final ascent to the “Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft” will start at around 00:00 am midnight which will require your full attention and will power to conquer the summit. On this night, considering all the necessary equipments for the summit trek is primarily inevitable. We will pass through the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m and climb slowly but sure “Pole pole” to reserve your energy. You will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the Kilimanjaro crater rim at sunrise, where the sun will slowly start shine. At this point, you will be able to take a few captions of the memorable eye catching sights of the sunrise rise views as the rays of the sun illuminates the early morning clouds.

The heat of the sun will warm up the remaining hours of the day leaving behind the cold hours of the night. From the Gilman’s point you will take a hike of about 1 – 2 hours via the Stella Point reaching to the Uhuru Peak at 5895m / 19340ft. After taking a few pictures at the Uhuru Peak signboard, we will begin our descent by returning back to Gilman’s point via the Stella Point, descending on scree slope and track back to Kibo base camp for breakfast, before you finally descend down to Horombo Hut for a warm meal and a long well-earned rest.

Distance: 21.5km / 13.4mi

Duration: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on sharing basis

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12140ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6103ft)

On this day, we will walk through the heath and moorland zone for about 3 – 4 hours to reaching the Mandara Hut (2700m) where you will be welcomed with a warm lunch to adjust your belts. After a warm lunch and a short rest, you will find yourself in the tropical rainforest for a walk of about 2 – 3 hours to reach back to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). At the Park gate prior to receiving your Summit success achievement Certificates, you will be able to say a farewell and shake hands with your trekking team for the work well-done. Our vehicle will be waiting for you to return back to the hotel for dinner, a warm shower and relaxation, celebrating your well-earned achievements.

Distance: 20.2km / 12.6mi

Duration: 6 – 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Accommodation: Accommodation is at the previous hotel

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  1. 5

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    The 5-day Marangu Route is an incredible experience for anyone looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is considered the easiest path, with the added bonus of staying in huts, which provide more comfort than tents.

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