The Marangu route is also referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope, direct path and the most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
It is the oldest and the most well-established route on the Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilets. 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 one of crowded route for that reason
The main itinerary difference between the Marangu 5-days and 6-days Marangu route is the additional acclimatization day at Horombo on day three.
Upon arrival at Arusha /Kilimanjaro Airport you will meet your Migration Seekers Expedition guide who will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Tanzania (for budget hotels we recommend KILIMANJARO WHITE HOUSE HOTEL). Settle into your accommodation, relax and get used to the African atmosphere. Ready to start your 6 DAYS KILIMANJARO HIKING TOUR VIA MARANGU ROUTE the next day.
After breakfast at the lodge, our driver will pick you up then drive you to the office where you receive a briefing and gear check. Then the drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes from Moshi and 2.45Hrs from Arusha).
Here you will register and commence with the climb. You and your guide will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, after a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut.
• Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,740 m
• Distance covered: 7km
• Time to be used: 3-4 hours
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut
We will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on to the open moorlands then the Horombo encampment. We will witness the amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. As we cross the Alpine Zone of the mountain, we will see giant lobelias and groundsels. Here, you are expected to begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
• Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,700 m
• Distance Covered: 11km
• Time to be used: 6-8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day three is a day to acclimatize. It is highly recommended to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut so that you allow your body to acclimatize. This hiking increases your chances to reach the Uhuru Peak. With this comes a reward which is the magnificent views of Kibo. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m).
The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
• Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,020 m
• Distance Covered: 5km
• Time to be used: 3 - 4 hrs.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut
The ascending continues, now we will pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi where vegetation starts to disappear into the “moonscape”. At Kibo we will have Dinner, rest and prepare for summit climb that starts in the night at 12:00p.m.
• Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,700 m
• Distance Covered: 10km
• Time to be used: 6 - 8 hrs
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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.
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!
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Accommodation: Horombo Hut
•Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
•Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
•Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
•Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Altitude: 4,700m to 5,895 m
•Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,080 m
•Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Arctic
•Habitat: Rain Forest
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement
Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
• Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630m
• Distance Covered: 9.3km km down
• Time to be used: 2 - 3 hrs.
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
_THE END OF TREK_
