Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route 6 Days

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.Many favor 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.

Day 0 : Arrival Day

You will be picked up from the airport by a Lion King representative and conveyed to your accommodation in Arusha or moshi where you will overnight, relax, and prepare in anticipation of the adventures to come.

Note: Please note your accommodation for this night of  your arrival day is not included in your package price but once you confirm your booking we will share different accommodation that suit your budget.

Day 1

• Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
• Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923ft)
• Hiking Distance: 11km
• Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
• Habitat: Montane Forest

In the morning, you will receive a pre-climb briefing and introductions with our team before transferred to Marangu gate (2 -3.5hrs drive), where you will complete entry formalities. After the registration, you will have hot lunch then begin your hiking adventure to Mandara camp, through a thick rainforest with its high chance of rain showers.

Overnight: Mandara Hut (All meals included)

Day 2

• Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut,
• Mandara Hut (2,720m/8,923ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft)
• Hiking distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
• Habitat: Moorland

The ascent continues through the temperate forest zone, before reaching the heather and moorland zone (3000m/9842ft). You will enjoy views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. The night will be spent at Horombo Hut (3720m/12204ft), lying in a valley surrounded by giant groundsel and lobelia, flora characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (All meals included)

Day 3

• Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
• Horombo Hut (3,720m/1,2204ft) to Zebra Rocks (4,500m/14,764ft)
• Hiking distance: 5-8km
• Hiking Time: 3-4hrs
• Habitat: Moorland

The ascent continues through the temperate forest zone, before reaching the heather and moorland zone (3000m/9842ft). You will enjoy views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. The night will be spent at Horombo Hut (3720m/12204ft), lying in a valley surrounded by giant groundsel and lobelia, flora characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (All meals included)

Day 4

• Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
• Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204ft) – Kibo Hut (4,720m/15,485ft)
• Hiking Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue past the final watering point and ascend onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You will notice the vegetation thinning out as you enter the desert-like alpine zone (4000m/13123ft). After crossing the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert, resembling the lunar landscape. This walk will go at a slow pace. At this point, you will start noticing signs of altitude sickness.

You will arrive at the camp for hot lunch. You will spend the night at Kibo Hut at elevation of 4720m. This semi-desert zone receives annual rainfall under 250mm. The ground often freezes at night, but the temperature rises above 30 degrees by day.

Overnight: Kibo Hut(All meals included)

Day 5

• Summit Day!
  Kibo Camp (4,720m/14,930ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo (3,720m/12,205ft)
  
• Hiking Distance: 16.5km
• Hiking Time: 11hrs up and down
• Habitat: Ice Cap

A very early start as you set off by the light of our head-torches, on a zigzag trail on rough volcanic scree. It is a tough 5 to 6hrs climb of almost 1000 Meter to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m), which is a convenient point to rest and watch the sunrise on Mawenzi. It is a further 2-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. Usually in the early morning, the conditions are clear and there are panoramic views over the crater, to Mawenzi and Mount Meru (4565m), looking very small below us. This part of the route takes us through a moonscape of volcanic rock and remnant glaciers with their impressive ice cliffs. After admiring the summit views and taking the obligatory summit photos we pat ourselves on the back for this awesome Achievement. you then retrace your path around the crater rim you make a rapid descent to the Kibo Hut (4700m). You will have lunch here, before setting off on the long descent to your camp at Horombo (3720m). A long day trekking – but so rewarding.

Overnight: Horombo Hut(All meals included)

Day 6

• Descend to Marangu Gate
• Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,906ft)
• Hiking Distance: 19km
• Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
• Habitat: Montane Forest

As you descend from Horombo, you begin to encounter more vegetation and the lower part of the route is through pine forest. We pass the traditional first camping place on the Marangu Route at the Mandara Huts and continue our descent to the Marangu Gate (1800m).

You will say fond farewell to our trusty guide, staff and the porters who have helped us during the past week and pick up our certificates of ascent, you will have Lunch with our Mountain Crew before transfer to our hotel.

For the climbers who do have a flight to catch, we will drive back to our office in Arusha for quick shower and short rest before you are transferred to the respective airport for your inbound or outbound flight.

Package Price Includes

• Airport pick and drop off
• Transfer to / from the mountain
• Kilimanjaro National Park Permits, camping / hut fees & rescue fees
• Service of a professional & qualified mountain guide
• Cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions & passenger private bags
• Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
• First Aid Kit
• 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
• Spacious tent for camping
• Free walking poles
• Free quality sleeping mats
• Camping equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
• International certificates for a successful ascent
• Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike
• Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with us

Package Price Excludes:

• International airfare and related costs such as personal international travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations
• Accommodation before and after the tour
• Any increase in government taxes that occur prior to the start of your trip
• Cost of any client-requested itinerary modifications while the trekking is in progress
• Any expenses of a personal nature such as extra beverages, laundry, etc.
• Personal mountain gears
• Tips & gratuities for your mountain crew.
• Any excess luggage more than 15Kg per client while trekking