MARANGU ROUTE

"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. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

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."

0 Day;Pre -Trekking Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

1 Day; Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

"Departing from Arusha 2-3 -hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Elevation;1905m - 2723 m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance; 8.3 KM
Hiking Time; 4-5 hours

2 Day; Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation; 2723 m - 3721 m
Habitat; Moorland
Distance; 12.5KM
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours

3 Day; Horombo Hut

You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit

Elevation; 3721 m
Habitat; Moorland

4 Day; Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Elevation; 3721m - 4714m
Habitat; Semi-Desert
Distance; 10.5KM
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours

5 Day; Kibo Hut - Summit - Horombo Hut

"The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you'll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.

You'll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You'll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long night's sleep."

Elevation; 4714m - 5895m - 3721m
Habitat; Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit - Moorland
Distance; 6.25KM up - 15.75KM down
Hiking Time; 5-7 hours up- 5-6 hours down

6 Day; Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

"After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch, then descent back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha[about 2:30 hour drive]. Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!