6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route + 2 Nights Hotel Stay
Overview
The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro.
This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Many favour Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is, unfortunately, less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.
Highlights
- It is considered to be the more comfortable and easiest route
- The Marangu route offers a well-developed and gradual trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- The climb is moderate and constant with only the final leg to the summit slightly more challenging
- Enjoy sleeping in simple mountain huts
Good to Know
Scheduling: Private tour: only your group takes part.
Languages offered on the Activity / Tour: English, German, French, Italian
Duration: 6 days
Skip the Line
Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
Instant Confirmation
Pick-up serviceAirport pick-up drop-off to your hotel in Moshi is included in the price you pay
Disability ServicesYes activity is wheelchair accessible and can cater for people with disabilities only on the Marangu route
Easy CancellationThere is no cancellation fee once Customers Cancel at least 7 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 50% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 3 and 6 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
There is 100% cancellation fee for Customers to Cancel 2 day(s) prior to the date of the activity or tour.
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Inclusions
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Hotel pick-up drop-off
Exclusions
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
What To Expect
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
You will be greeted at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transfer driver and taken to the Honey Badger Lodge in Msaranga village, close to Moshi.
The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the hotel pool or explore the town of Moshi (short taxi drive away).
In the late afternoon you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek. The night will be spent at the Honey Badger Lodge.
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Honey Badger Lodge
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be taken to Kilimanjaro National Park gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek.
The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys.
The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles ,Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours,Habitat: Heath
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Zebra Rocks to Horombo Hut
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge.
The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Heath
Zebra Rocks to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205, Distance: 5 km/3 miles, Hiking Time: 1-2 hours, Habitat: Heath
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
Once here we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft, Distance: 10 km/6 miles ,Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft, Distance: 6 km/4 miles, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft, Distance: 16 km/10 miles, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Heath
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates.
Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to the Honey Badger Lodge in Moshi Town. At the hotel, you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft, Distance: 20 km/12 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation: Honey Badger Lodge
Day 8: Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After a relaxing breakfast, you will either be taken back to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively, you can continue with your travel plans, such as extending your trip to include a safari tour or a relaxing holiday on Zanzibar.
- Breakfast
Pickup and Drop-off / Meeting Point
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Know Before You Go
- The warmest time with the least rainfall is between December and February, followed by the main rainy season from March until the beginning of June. Between June and October, temps can be cold
- This is a private tour and hence there won’t be any other climbers joining you. Your group will consist of only the people you chose to travel with and your mountain crew
- According to the national park authorities, children under the age of 10 years are only allowed to hike until Horombo Hut (3700 m). There are no official restrictions for children above the age of 10 years
- Africa’s highest peak is one of the only mountains of this magnitude that can be conquered without you being an experienced alpinist. However, it goes without saying that you should be healthy and fit to master the 4-6 hour treks
- Officially, no vaccinations are required by the Tanzanian health department. However, Tanzania is a yellow fever region and thus we advise that you get yourself vaccinated for this.
- There are a few things you should pack for a Kilimanjaro climb and as the list is quite extensive, you will receive a detailed packing list from us once you have confirmed the booking
- Tips for the mountain crew are common practice. Gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income and thus highly appreciated. Below are some recommendations from our side (per group, not per person): Guide: 15-18 USD per day
- You should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses. If you are bringing USD, please make sure the bills have been be printed after 2004 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted
- Mountain rescue services in Tanzania can in no sense be compared to the ones found in the European Alps for example. If you find yourself unable to walk, you will either be carried or transported on a stretcher
- Almost everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by the altitude in some or other way. Top athletes are just as much at risk of suffering from it as are people who are out of shape. Symptons include headaches and extreme fatigue
- Meals are included as mentioned in the itinerary. For breakfast there will be a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Lunch will be provided
- Apart from very basic long drops (simple latrines), there are no further ablution facilities. Climbers are however provided with a bowl of warm water for their daily wash
- You will sleep overnight in basic mountain huts
- The Marangu Route is often considered as the easiest route to the summit. Compared to other routes, the ascent is more gradual and both the ascent and descent follow the same route
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