- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Similar Tours
What's included
- A guided tour of important places
- All meals included
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Observation and participation in allowed activities
- Porterage for a maximum of two bags per person
- Professionally guided tour
- Unlimited bottled water
- Other International flights
- Tips to guide and driver
- Visa arrangements
Marangu route also known as the “Coca-Cola route” is by far the most popular route to the summit Africa’s rooftop Mt Kilimanjaro. The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day which greatly increasing your chances of success.
Marangu route accommodation is in mountain huts this cmakes the big main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. 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
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
: 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, 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
KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK
We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). 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 will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After 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.
- 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
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. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
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