Marangu route 5 days 4 nights

The Marangu route might be one of the cheapest and quickest routes to the summit, but it still has plenty of wow moments in store for you. You still get to dive into the mountain’s nature on different trails and enjoy the view from the top. Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.

This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

 

ITINENARY

Day 0: Arrival day

You will meet our driver and pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel. Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 3 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest 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 rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Mandara Hut 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 affects of the altitude.
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland

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 heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Distance: 9km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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.
Distance: 6km up / 15km down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

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
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest

INCLUSION

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate

EXCLUSION

  • Tanzania Visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages