Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Introduction

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended. Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The Marangu route is a classic trek to the top of Kilimanjaro. However, it has the least scenic variety of all routes (ascent and descent are done on the same path) and is the most crowded for that reason. We will do Pre- Trip briefing and equipment check a day before, our guide will meet you anywhere within an hour of Arusha/Moshi for the briefing and equipment check. He will arrange with you the departure time for tomorrows start of your Kilimanjaro climb. 

“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. Its western summit is called the Masai ‘Ngaje Ngai’, the House of God. Close to the western summit there is a dried and frozen carcass of a leopard. No one has explained what the leopard was seeking at that altitude.”

-Hemingway Ernest, The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories-

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi, Approx. time took: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Remember you are on holidays, enjoy yourself!

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the health and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai Steppe.  Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi, Approx. time took: 9 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.”

-Barry Finlay, Kilimanjaro and Beyond-

 Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This near vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi, Approx. time took: 7 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

 “Kilimanjaro is a pretty tricky climb you know, most of it’s up until you reach the very very top, and then it tends to slope away rather sharply.”

–Monty Python-

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi, Approx. time took: 12 – 15 hours, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Kilimanjaro lies just 205 miles from the equator

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit, of the Kilimanjaro. Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi ,Approx. time took: 8 hours of Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

The oldest person to successfully climb Kilimanjaro is 88-year-old Dr. Fred Distelhorst, a retired American orthodontist who broke the world record in 2017

Price in US$ per person:

Price includes:

• Transfers from the hotel at Moshi to the Climbing route Gate
• Climbing and camping fees
• Rescue fee
• Porters (3porters per person), cooker and guide/s
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while climbing.
• Accommodations on the Mountain and Sleeping gears
• Transfers to and from the airport

Price does not include:

• Personal Camping and Climbing gears
• Accommodation before and after climb
• Items of personal nature, laundry, tips and gratuities,
• Travel insurance.
• International and domestic flight tickets