6 DAY KILIMANJARO CLIMBING MARANGU ROUTE
6-Day Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth, to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is that it is the only route up Kilimanjaro where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo.
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi To Marangu gate – Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paperwork, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and you have had some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to the Maundi Crater where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as of the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the evening at Mandara Hut.
- Elevation: 1900M to 2700 M
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut– Horombo Hut
An early breakfast strengthens you for the trek ahead and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the crossroads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombu Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moon land reaching your destination in approximately 4 – 6 hours. Looking back your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Maasai steppe. After your evening meal, you will drift off to sleep at the Horombu Hut.
- Elevation: 2700M to 3,700M
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
- Habitat: Heath and moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (4,700 m)
Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit and this 2 to 4-hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. A hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. You will stay another night at Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 3,700M to 4700M
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking time: 1-2 hrs
- Habitat: Heath and moorland
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into an alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23:00 h.
- Elevation: 3700M to 4700M
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlight to light the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After a well-deserved photo opportunity, you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest await you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 4700M to 5895 and down to 3700M
- Distance: 6 km up/15 km down/9 km to Horombo
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate– Arusha/Moshi
The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro Flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to your Hotel. At the hotel, you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Elevation: 3700M to 1900M
- Distance: 19 km
- Hiking time: 5-8 Hrs
- Habitat: Moorland to Montane forest
INCLUDED
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, and friendly mountain guides
- Medical evacuation with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue> Flying Doctors.
- 2 nights and accommodations-one before and after the trek in good hotels.
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Pulse-oximeter – To measure the oxygen level, for each climber daily
- Portable Emergency Oxygen tanks
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- All Government Tax and Park Entrance Fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
EXCLUDED
- Tips for guides, cook and porters
- Track your trek by satellite device services
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
