Marangu Route
5 days | 4 nights
Climbing Overview
Marangu – or “Coca-Cola” – route is rightfully popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides extra comfort with its permanent huts. Fabulous vistas of Kilimanjaro Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are an added advantage of Coca-Cola Route! Marangu Route offers 6 and 5-day itineraries, the latter being the way to go for experienced trekkers.
The 5 days Marangu Route itinerary with its longer acclimatization is preferable if this is to be your first climb. Those who climb Kilimanjaro on Marangu can look forward to a trek that covers the distance of 64 km (40 miles) with comfortable conditions resulting in a 92% success rate for the longer program.
Full Itinerary
Marangu Gate (1,879m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,720m/9,000ft)
Leave Arusha after break fast for Marangu Gate with your guides, cooks and porters The drive to Marangu gate takes approximately 3 hours. After the registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike.
You will have a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day.
- Elevation Gain: 841 meters, 3,000 feet
- Distance: 8 km 4-5 hours, Montane Forest
Mandara Hut (2,720m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants…no more forest. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
- Elevation Gain: 1000 meters, 3,200 feet,
- Distance: 11 km, 6-7 hours, Heathland
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill.
After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.
- Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet
- Distance: 10 km, 5 – 6 hours, Alpine Desert
Summit Day! Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5,000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters).
The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet - Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down, 10 -15 hours
Alpine Desert
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. The car will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha.
Included for safaris
- All park entrance, camping and rescue fees
- All meals and filtered drinking water while on the mountain
- Guides, cook and porters salaries and fees
- Transport to/from Kilimanjaro gate before and after climb
- Airport transfer – To and From airport
- Mid class accommodation in Arusha before and after climb on bed and breakfast basis
- Camping equipment including mountaineering tents sharing with 2 people, sleeping mattress and kitchen gears for camping routes
Prices do not include
- Items of personal nature, gratuities (tips),
- Soda/alcohols,
- Travel insurance, visa fees,
- International airfare,
- Airport taxes,
- Laundry,
- cultural tours, climbing gears,
- and other extras not stated above as included.
NB – Sleeping bag and other personal mountain gears are available for hire at Arusha.
NB: Private helicopter for Rescue and evacuations is available at Mount Kilimanjaro up to approximately 5000m asl. A cliet(s) needed his/her insurance to cover up to 6000m asl. For more details -http://kilimanjarosar.com/
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