Trip Description
Marangu Route is the oldest and most popularly referred to as the “Coca-Cola” climbing route. The Marangu Route is one of the most well-established routes leading to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro – offering reliable and convenient pathways with steady, gradual slopes and direct course. Also, the added advantage of the only route with communal sleeping huts along the way is suitable for first-time hikers. The Marangu Route is a bit different from others as it takes the same route for both ascending and descending. Marangu Route is a popular choice for most climbers during the rainy season mainly because of the permanent huts equipped with mattresses and pillows which offer convenient shelter, especially during rainy season.
ITINERARY
Day 0: Arrival – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival after finalizing the immigration formalities, you shall be warmly welcomed by our representative and transfers you to your hotel. Before sleeping your mountain guide will meet you at your hotel for the Kilimanjaro climb briefing and mountain climbing gears crosscheck. Dinner and overnight at Chanya Lodge.
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2715m)
The 6 days Mt Kilimanjaro climbing – Marangu route begins. After breakfast, you will be met by the driver and your guides drive to Kilimanjaro National Park gate about 1 hour. The drive takes you through the village of Marangu located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, you will sign in at the park office and make your final preparation for the climb. You will also meet your porters and cook at the gate. Once the necessary paper work is completed, your hike will begin through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates when heading to Mandara Hut. Once you reach the camp, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater and enjoy the stunning landscape and a view of Kibo Crater.
Dinner and Overnight at Mandara Huts Hiking Time: 5 hours
Distance Covered: 8.3 km/ 5.2miles
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2715m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)
After breakfast you will leave Mandara hut and follow the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into a transition from rain forest to moorland. Once you are in the open moorland, you will get the opportunity to see some of Kilimanjaro's most fascinating plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel which can reach up to 5m. The Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of (3705m). From the hut, you will have wonderful views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Maasai Steppe.
Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Distance Covered: 12.5 km/7.8 mi
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Acclimatization Day
Today Horombo hut serves as an acclimatization day. Horombo is usually bustling with climbers, guides, porters and cooks, with an atmosphere of adventure and cheers. Here you will meet both ascending and descending climbers. The extra day and night at Horombo for acclimatization is strongly recommended to improve your chance of reaching the summit. A 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). A hike to the Mawenzi hut, takes you to the distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your way back to Horombo hut, a hot lunch will be served followed by leisure in the afternoon and regain your energy for the hike the next day.
Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut Hiking Time: 4 hours
Distance Covered: 5 km/ 3.1 mi
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)
After breakfast, we continue the ascent into the Alpine Desert habitat. Today's climb is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the "Last water point" which is followed by the so-called "Saddle" of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo Vegetation begins with the upper heartland but then disappears into a desert-like area. There is an upper route (right-hand fork) and a lower route (left-hand fork) to choose from. The upper route should be familiar as you climbed most of it the day before towards Mawenzi hut. This section is very rocky and eroded. The recommended lower route (left-hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter, it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. Here you are supposed to refill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo Hut in two nights' time (unless you are planning to buy mineral water at Kibo Hut). Today's destination is the Kibo hut which is normally reached in about 5 – 6 hours. You will have an early dinner followed by an early sleep, as the night will be shorter.
Dinner and Overnight at Kibo Hut Hiking Time: 7 hours
Distance Covered: 9.6km/ 6mi
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – horombo Hut (3705m)
You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be really long and strenuous. The first part of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) and also offers a good resting spot. At sunrise, you will be on the tough path then zigzag up to Gillman's point (5681m) situated on the crater rim where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will need a flashlight, camera, sunglasses as well as warm clothes as it gets too cold. The section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring the best physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. After 1 – 2 hours, you will reach the highest point in Africa-Uhuru Peak (5895m). While at the summit you will take your pictures and thereafter the descending will begin. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 break before proceeding down back to Horombo Hut 3705m.
Dinner and Overnight at Horombo hut Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Distance Covered: 22 km/ 13.7mi
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6: Horombo Huts (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
After breakfast, you continue your descend (6-7 hours) passing the Mandara Hut (2700m) you will stop here for lunch. After lunch you will traverse the Tropical rain forest and after a total time of 6 -7 hours hiking, you will be back at Marangu Gate (1860m). After receiving your summit certificates you will have a short farewell ceremony with your crew followed by a 1 hour drive to your hotel in Moshi Town for hot shower followed by relaxation, celebration and spa services upon your request.
Dinner and Overnight at Chanya Lodge Hiking Time: 6 -7 hours
Distance Covered: 20.8/ 12.9mi
Habitat: Tropical rainforest
Day 7: Mweka Campsite (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1640m)
Today's hike will take us about 4 to 5 hours to make the 3000m descent to the park's gate. We will check out and have lunch followed by a short ceremony with the porters congratulating you as you receive your certificate, issued at the gate. Afterward, we will drive through very beautiful coffee plantations and small villages of the Chagga tribe. You will be transferred to your hotel for relaxation and spa services all at your own pace.
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