5 DAYS KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE
This trek utilizes a popular route for many climbers. The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the original route established to climb Kilimanjaro. The Marangu route is often billed as one of the easier walking routes, however, it suffers from the lowest success rate because of poor acclimatization.
Detailed Itinerary Marangu – 5 days Marangu Route
Day 0: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met with our ground handling team and after greetings and introduction you will be transferred to your delightful accommodation in Arusha/Moshi for evening rest and overnight.
Day 1: Transfer to Marangu gate + Trek from Marangu gate to Mandara huts
Wake up early and after breakfast and briefings board a transfer car to the start point of your hike which will take us around 4hrs. After completing the entrance formalities at the National Park gate (1,830 m.) we climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest around you. Camp at Mandara Hut [3-5 hours walking]
Day 2: Mandara huts to Horombo huts
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very spectacular, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
Day 3: Horombo huts to Kibo huts
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-6 hours]
Day 4: Uhuru peak summit + Descend to Horombo huts
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the 3-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking]
Day 5: Descend from Horombo huts to Marangu gate + Transfer back to hotel
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m). [5-6 hours walking]. A car will be waiting for us at the gate ready to transfer us to our hotel.
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route 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.
Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. 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. Also available for consumption are soft drinks, bottled water, and beer.
The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route into a 6-day trek, greatly increasing your chances of success. Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the 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
Marangu is offered as a five to six day private climb.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
- $2,000 per person when Solo trekker
- $1,800 per person when 2 people treks together
- $1,750 per person when 3 people treks together
- $1,700 per person when 4+ people treks together.
What’s Includes
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, camping & rescue fees
- Mountain tent & mattress
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & chef
- breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
What’s not included
- Flights
- Lunch & dinner in Moshi
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverage
Book the Tour
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Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
When it comes to embarking on a Kilimanjaro climbing expedition, choosing the right route is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. With several routes to choose from, each with its own characteristics and challenges, it’s important to consider various factors before making your decision. There are various routes to choose from when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering different landscapes, challenges, and experiences.
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for those who want to trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route that offers hut accommodations and is considered the easiest route. However, this also means that it can be crowded during peak season.
The Machame Route is also known as the “Whiskey Route” and is the most popular trekking route in Tanzania. It is a challenging route but also the most scenic due to the panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the Western Breach. With its rocky terrain, trekking poles are highly recommended.
Rongai route ascends Mount Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. The rongai route retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness. The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north.
The Lemosho Route is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro and experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountain. With its numerous advantages, including scenic views, diverse flora and fauna, and a higher success rate, you can be sure of an unforgettable experience.
Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit Route is a remote and beautiful trail, but it’s a challenging trek that requires careful planning and preparation. It is the longest route on Kilimanjaro. It offers amazing scenery, excellent acclimatization, and a quiet trek. This is the reasons we love this Kilimanjaro route!
Proper acclimatization and physical preparation are crucial to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the challenging Umbwe Route. The route includes several acclimatization days, and proper preparation will enable climbers to tackle the final ascent towards Stella Point.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
Kilimanjaro mountain bike trail itinerary is the new service for summiting Mt Kilimanjaro for active and adventure lovers. The Kilema route is the only route that you can reach to the summit by mountain bike. Our experienced guides have done a sufficient number of successful bike trails to the summit.
Mount Meru(4,566 m) is an active stratovolcano and forms the centrepiece of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. Although the mountain is not as high as Kilimanjaro, it is just as challenging. Known for its beautiful green surroundings and abundant wildlife, Mount Meru is the second highest in Tanzania.