6 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Mountain Trekking

Wishlist

Overview

The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. 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.

Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, 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 also the most crowded route for that reason.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Moshi – Marangu gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

After breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paper work, 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 had some time to catch your breath, you can join a walk to the Maundi Crater. Enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya and over the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the night at Mandara Hut.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Marangu Gate (1,860 m)
Finish: Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Walking time: 3-4h

Day 2 Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

An early breakfast gets you ready 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 Horombo Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moorland reaching your destination in approximately 4 to 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 Masai steppe. After your evening meal you will drift off to sleep at the Horombo Hut.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Finish: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Walking time: 5-6h

Day 3 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 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.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Finish: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Walking time: ca 4-5h

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 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 11pm.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Finish: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Walking time: 5-6h

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 headlights leading 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). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the sun. 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 awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut, where you will stay the night.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Finish:Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Walking time: 12-14h

Day6 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – 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 kilimanjari 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 the At the lodge / hotel you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Lodge or hotel.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Start: Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1,860 m)
Walking time: 6-7h

Included/Exclude

Items included:

Professional, English-speaking guide/ Germany guide on request with extra cost.
Mountain crew (cook & porters)
Pre and Post night stays in hotels and mountain tents.
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Private mountain Chemical Toilet Available at a request and an extra cost.
Mountain Camp Shower Available Warm water Shower on request and at extra cost.)
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water
All national park fees
All mentioned transfer