The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are more than 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water (cold) are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and women’s latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Prices are per person and a maximum of 8 people per group.
|
The number of people in the group: |
1 – 4 |
5 – 8 |
|
Price per person |
$1920 |
$1770 |
Note: All prices are in US Dollars
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be met by our representative. Who will assist you with your luggage and drive to your hotel in Arusha, brief you on your itinerary, and help you with your check-in at your hotel.
Overnight at accommodation in Arusha / Moshi.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walkthrough the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
— Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
— Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 12km/7.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Heathland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Acclimatization Day
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
— Distance: 9km/5.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
— 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
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Camp
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi / Arusha.
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
This will be your last day for Kilimanjaro climbing, we will transfer you to the airport at the time depends on your flight schedule or safari plan.
