Your adventure
What to expect
The Marangu route also known as ‘Coca-Cola’ route is the most popular thus a high-traffic route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only non-camping route on Kilimanjaro where trekkers sleep in dormitory-like huts. Marangu is mistakeably considered as the easiest route and due to this reputation, it is often selected by many unprepared and inexperienced trekkers. As a result, only a migre 35% of climbers using this route actually make it to the summit at Uhuru peak. Scenically, Marangu route has great views of the rain forest, Mawenzi peak, and the landscape below as well as the magnificient vista from the summit. Marangu route is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths and are not comfortable sleeping under a tent. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended.
After breakfast, you meet you guide and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Your itinerary
The journey, day by day
01Overview
The Marangu route also known as ‘Coca-Cola’ route is the most popular thus a high-traffic route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only non-camping route on Kilimanjaro where trekkers sleep in dormitory-like huts. Marangu is mistakeably considered as the easiest route and due to this reputation, it is often selected by many unprepared and inexperienced trekkers. As a result, only a migre 35% of climbers using this route actually make it to the summit at Uhuru peak. Scenically, Marangu route has great views of the rain forest, Mawenzi peak, and the landscape below as well as the magnificient vista from the summit. Marangu route is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths and are not comfortable sleeping under a tent. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended.
Day 1: From Hotel to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you meet you guide and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
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