Overview
Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo hut.
The Price Starts From $ 1349
Itineraray
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats.
When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities, pitch the tents, and prepare lunch. Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents.
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.
Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
From Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut.
Elevation (Ft.): 12,205 Ft. to 14,160 Ft. to 12,205 Ft.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
This extra day is used for acclimatization. We hike towards or all the way to Mawenzi Hut and back. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Elevation (ft.): 12,205 ft. to 15,430 ft.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for summit day.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
Elevation (ft.): 15,430 ft. to 19,341 ft. to 12,205 ft.
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitat: Arctic
We wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep and the ascent will be slow and steady. From Gilman’s, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. We stay at the summit for a short time, to take photos and enjoy the views, before retracing our steps to all the way back to Horombo Hut.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate we pick up our certificate that proves our achievement and catch our vehicle transfer to hotel in Moshi.
