5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trekking
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Overview
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” or “Tourist” route, is the easiest and shortest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Not only does it offer a relatively gentle ascent, but it is also the only route that provides the comfort of sleeping huts at each campsite. These huts are equipped with solar lighting and comfortable beds, ensuring a more relaxed trekking experience. Additionally, the huts are communal, with bunk beds that include a sponge mattress and a pillow for added convenience.
While the Marangu Route is typically completed in 5 days, it can be extended to 6 days to allow for better acclimatization. This extra day can be spent resting at Horombo Hut or taking an optional trek to the nearby Mawenzi Peak. Adding an additional day increases the chances of a successful summit by helping trekkers adapt to the altitude more effectively.
Tour Features for Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trekking:
- Luxury Experience: The Marangu Route offers the comfort of sleeping huts with solar lights, sponge mattresses, and pillows, providing a more comfortable trekking experience compared to camping.
- Private Tour: This trek is organized exclusively for you, ensuring that your journey up Kilimanjaro is tailored to your pace and preferences.
- Flexible Start Dates: The trek can start on any day, depending on availability, offering flexibility for your travel plans.
- Customizable Itinerary: Minor changes to the itinerary can be made to suit your needs, such as adding an extra acclimatization day at Horombo or exploring Mawenzi Peak.
- Group Requirement: Solo travelers are not eligible for this private trek; the journey is organized for exclusive groups or individuals.
- Age Restriction: The minimum age for participating in the Marangu Route trek is 12 years old, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Tour Plan
After enjoying breakfast and a detailed briefing, you will embark on a one-hour drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival, you will complete registration formalities before beginning your trek. The journey starts with a scenic hike through the lush rainforest, leading to the Mandara Hut. Along the way, you may take a short detour to Maundi Crater, offering breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. As you move through the dense forest, keep an eye out for towering eucalyptus trees, diverse bird species, and the distinctive black-and-white Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1,860m (6,100ft) → 2,700m (8,875ft)
As you leave the lush rainforest behind, the trail gradually ascends into the vast, open moorlands, leading toward the Horombo Hut. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of Mawenzi and the towering peak of Kibo. The landscape transforms, showcasing unique plant species such as giant lobelias and groundsels. At this altitude, you may start to experience mild effects of the increasing elevation, so it’s essential to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Elevation: 2,700m (8,875ft) → 3,700m (12,200ft)
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
In the early hours of the morning (between midnight and 2 AM), we begin the challenging ascent to the summit. The steep trail, covered in loose scree or snow, leads us up to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, we push onward to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa—where breathtaking views stretch in every direction. Take a moment to capture the achievement with a summit photo to share with friends and family.
After celebrating at the top, we start our descent, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a well-earned rest before continuing to Horombo encampment. The climb begins in complete darkness, requiring headlamps or flashlights. Temperatures are extremely cold until the descent begins, so wearing multiple warm layers is essential. This is the toughest part of the trek, with numerous switchbacks, but taking it slowly (“pole pole”) and maintaining a positive mindset will help you reach the summit.
Elevation: 4,700m (15,500ft) → 5,895m (19,340ft).
After breakfast, we begin a steady descent, making our way through the moorland towards Mandara Hut. From there, the trail continues down through a lush forest path, leading us to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain can become wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Lightweight clothing like shorts and t-shirts should be comfortable, but it's best to keep rain gear and warmer layers handy.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, a journey of about an hour.
Elevation: 3,700m (12,200ft) → 1,700m (5,500ft).
Included/Exclude
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- 1 Night accommodation before climbing
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees & Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides', Porters', cook's salaries and park fees
- 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
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor Society of Africa
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above.
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Tour Amenities
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