Marangu
Route
The Marangu route is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is referred to as the "Coca Cola” route and remains the most popular route today, although there is a variety of other routes by now. One reason is that it is the only one with overnights stays in permanent huts as opposes to sleeping in tents. This makes it more comfortable to some climbers and certainly has its benefits during the rain season. Advanced booking of hut accommodation is done by us to avoid any inconveniences.
Trekking on this route can be done in only 5 days, so it is often chosen by trekkers with a limited amount of time. But keep in mind, that Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro anyway and only 50% make it to the very top on the short trek. So an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended especially for those climbers with no prior trekking experience in altitude under their belt. This increases the success rate to 90% because it reduces the risk of suffering altitude sickness. The route starts at the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westward towards Kibo (the largest vulcano cone of the crater rim). This trail leads you through lush rainforest in the beginning, then through heath and moorland, to alpine desert and ultimately to the arctic zone at the peak. Marangu is the only route that uses the same path going up and coming back down.
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Marangu gate (1,840 m / 6,030 ft) to Mandara hut (2,800 m / 9,180 ft)
We will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and reach Marangu Gate after a 2-4 hours drive.
You will be signed in to Kilimanjaro National Park you will have some time (30 min to 1 hour) to take
pictures and use the bathroom while we assist with measuring the luggage that has to be carried by our
porters.
On this first day you will hike through the rainforest, where you can see and hear various species of
beautiful birds and, if you are lucky, you may spot black and white Colobus monkeys hanging or jumping
in the eukalyptus trees.
- hiking distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- hiking time: 3-5 hours
- altitude gained: 805 m / 2,600 ft
- habitat: rainforest
- meals included: lunch, dinner
DAY 2:
Mandara hut (2,800 m / 9,180 ft) to Horombo hut (3.720 m / 12,200 ft)
On your second day you will start walking through the rainforest slowly changing into moorland with its stunning views on Mount Mawenzi. When reaching the Horombo Huts you will already be able to enjoy the view of Kibo (the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro) before we serve you a hot dinner and you´ll get your well deserved rest.
- hiking distance: 11 km / 7 miles
- hiking time: 5-6 hours
- altitude gained: 1,000 m / 3,280 ft
- habitat: rainforest, moorland
- meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3:
Horombo hut (3,720 m / 12,200 ft) to Zebra rocks (4,020 m / 13,150 ft) and back
This day is important for your acclimatization. If you have choosen the 6 day option you will take an easy hike with ascent and descent of approx. 400m to Zebra rocks, a set of large volcanic rocks with a striped pattern that resembles that of a Zebra. Afterwards you will rest at the camp, enjoy the magnificant views and your hot dinner.
- hiking distance: 5-6 km / 3-4 miles
- hiking time: 3 hours
- altitude gained: 400 m / 1,300 ft (ascent and descent)
- habitat: moorland, heath zone
- meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4:
Horombo hut (3,720 m / 12,200 ft) to Kibo hut (4,700m / 15,430 ft)
In the morning you will continue trekking across the heath and then reach the alpine desert with its vulcanic rocks and unforgetable views on Mount Mawenzi and Kibo. The last bit up to Kibo Huts is going to be physically challenging, but walking "pole pole" as we say (= slowly and steady) you will make it and go to bed early, as the exiting summit day lays ahead of you tomorrow.
- hiking distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- hiking time: 5-6 hours
- altitude gained: 1000 m / 3,200 ft
- habitat: alpine desert
- meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5:
Kibo hut (4,700m / 15,430 ft) to UHURU PEAK (5,895 m / 19,340 ft) to Horombo hut (3,720 m / 12,200 ft)
Summit day! We will wake you up to get ready around midnight for summit push. We will aim to reach Gilman’s Point (5,756 meters /18,885 ft) by dawn, the first of three official summit points of Mount Kilimanjaro. Finally after following the edge of the crater, you will stand at Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kibo. After taking memorable pictures and enjoying the precious moment on the roof top of Africa we will return to Kibo huts, where you will celebrate with our team and get a well deserved hot lunch. After a short rest we will contincue the descend down to Horombo huts.
- hiking distance: 21 km / 13 miles
- hiking time: 12-14 hours
- altitude gained: 1,200 m / 3,900 ft
- descent: 2,175 m / 7,135 ft
- habitat: artic zone, alpine desert
- meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6:
Horombo hut (3,720 m / 12,200 ft) to Marangu gate (1,840 m / 6,030 ft)
On your last day we will descent only downhill until we reach the Gate. There you will have the chance to get your muddy boots cleaned, take pictures with your team, have a last hot lunch and receive your summit certificate from your guide. We will pick you up with our vehicle and drive you back to your hotel.
- hiking distance: 18 km / 11 miles
- hiking time: 5-7 hours
- descent: 1,880 m / 6,050 ft
- habitat: alpine desert, moorland, rainforest
- meals included: breakfast, lunch.
