Marangu Route
6 Days
Mountain Trekking
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.. Overview ..
The cheapest path to the top is the Marangu route, popularly referred to as the Coca-Cola route. Additionally, this is the only route that offers solar-lit sleeping huts with comfortable beds at every overnight site. Horombo Hut has 120 beds, while Mandara and Kibo Huts have 60 each. The two bottom cottages have running water and bathrooms. At the last camp, there were rudimentary men’s and women’s restrooms.
The shortest path to the peak takes 5 days, although for better acclimatisation, it can be completed in 6 days. You can spend the extra day either relaxing at Horombo or hiking up Mawenzi’s little peak.
Full Itinerary
Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (it will take about an hour) after breakfast and the briefing, register, and start the climb. To reach the Mandara camp, take a stroll through the rainforest. Visiting Maundi Crater as a side trip is a great opportunity to view the surrounding area, which includes Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Look for Colobus monkeys, towering Eucalyptus trees, and a variety of birds in the rainforest.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
The rain-forest glades are left behind as you continue on a rising trail across the wide moorlands to the Horombo campsite. Amazing views of Kibo's top and Mawenzi. Seek out enormous grounsels and lobelias. You can start experiencing the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft Distance: 0km/0mi Hiking Time: 0 hours Habitat: Heathland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ascending, we now pass the final watering spot and ascend to Kilimanjaro's saddle, which is situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Upper heathland is where the vegetation starts, although it eventually vanishes into "moonscape." Eat dinner, relax, and get ready to tackle the summit.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start your very early ascent to the top (between midnight and two in the morning) by making your way to Gilman's Point, which is situated on the crater rim, across steep and heavy scree or snow. Moving forward, we will now reach Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. Everywhere one looks is breathtaking scenery. Get a picture shot at the top so you can show your loved ones. From here, we descend to the Horombo campsite, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a break.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Following breakfast, we make our way through the moorland to the Mandara Hut by a gradual slope. Proceed to descend via a route in lush forest to reach the National Park gate located in Marangu. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. You should probably wear plenty of shorts and t-shirts (have warmer clothes and rain gear accessible).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Inquire This Tour
Inquire This Tour
- All meals on the safari.
- All Park entrance fees & taxes.
- All prices are quoted in US Dollars.
- Game Safari to National Parks as specified
- Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with a roof hatch and sliding windows
- First aid kit. Our guides are all trained in providing basic first aid.
- Charging station. So you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
- Water, Soft Drinks, Wine and Beers.
- Professional English speaking safari and tour guide / driver
- Wildlife tours according to your itinerary preferences.
- All game viewing activities specified Safari.
- Gears
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
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