Kilimanjaro 6 Days Marangu Route

ROUTE 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 which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are more than 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and more than 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.

DAY-BY-DAY MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Drive to Moshi

The first day on your amazing Kilimanjaro Marangu Route journey is filled with anticipation. After arriving at the airport, you’ll be greeted warmly by our driver who’ll transport you to the hotel in Moshi. You’ll then settle down then attend an orientation session. Our experienced team leaders will guide you through all the important details of your trip and offer advice for a successful journey. Your hiking gear will then be carefully inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent getting ready for your life-changing adventure. Bed and overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Moshi-Marangu Gate (1,879amsl) to Mandara Hut (2,720amsl)

Distance: ~8km
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate (1,879amsl) on the South-East side of Mount Kilimanjaro Typically you will be driven to the gate from Moshi, which takes approximately an hour and passes through the village of Marangu. If approaching from Arusha it takes over 3 hours to reach Marangu gate. At the gate you will meet your trekking team, register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities and witness porters assembling and weighing packs of gear that they will be carrying up the mountain. Day one is a gradual trek through the Kilimanjaro rainforest and takes 3-4 hours to complete. Your first night is spent in the Mandara Hut. A-frame Huts (2,720amsl) which come equipped with solar generated lighting, flush toilets and water piped in from a nearby mountain stream. Each hut has more than 6-8 bunk beds. If you are a light sleeper we suggest bringing ear plugs!

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,720amsl) to Horombo Hut (3,720amsl)

Distance: ~11.5km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Moorland Zone

Day two on the Marangu Route begins with an early start and you should take a lunch box due to long walking hours. You will be served breakfast and should be on your way by latest 08:00. The trek continues through the rainforest, around the base of the Maundi Crater and then transitions rather rapidly into the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather is clear you should definitely take the opportunity to scramble up the Maundi Crater to get your first full view of Kibo. During the trek you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude. Day two takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete and covers a significant distance (11.5km). At Horombo Hut (3,720amsl) you will be served dinner and shown to your sleeping quarters for the night.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720amsl) to Zebra Rock (4,125amsl) and back to Horombo Hut

Distance: ~4.5km
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Moorland zone

Today is acclimatization day, ater breakfast, you will depart from Horombo Hut early and begin a 405amsl ascent to Zebra rock 4125amsl which covers a distance of approximately 6km, and return back to Horombo Hut where you will be served an early dinner and should try get to bed before 20:00.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720amsl)-Kibo Hut (4,720amsl)

Distance: ~10km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Zone: Moorland zone/ Alpine desert

There are two routes to Kibo Hut; the first, or upper route, forks to the right. You will most likely take the lower left hand route as it is easier and nearly an hour shorter. On the left hand route you will pass the last water point at 4,130amsl. Make sure to fill up your water reserves here as you will not find another watering point until you get back to Horombo Hut from the summit (you are able to be filled mineral water at Kibo Hut). You will be awoken around 23:30 to start your 200amsl ascent to Uhuru Peak; make sure that you have all your gear ready for a prompt departure, including insulated water, snacks, your headlamp and camera.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,720amsl) to Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl) and then Horombo Hut (3,720amsl)

Distance: ~6km ascent and then 16km descent
Trekking time: 6-7 hours to the summit and then 5.5 hours to Horombo Hut
Zone: Summit zone, high alpine zone and Moorland zone

Day four begins with summit night. After being awoken you will be served some hot tea and biscuits and will then begin your summit ascent. The route follows a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,159amsl. It then continues to zigzag for a good 2-3 hours until you get to Gilman’s Point (5,681amsl) on Kibo’s crater rim. You will most likely be very tired at this point. Take some time to rest and refuel with a snack. The final push is tough and requires mental stamina. Focus on moving slowly and deliberately for the final 200 meter ascent. At Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl) you will not be able to stay too long so make sure to get all the pictures you want to take and then begin your descent back to Kibo Hut, and onto Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it!

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720amsl) to Marangu Gate (1,879amsl)

Distance: ~19km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Zone: Moorland zone and rainforest

Day five from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate is nearly 19km but usually only takes 6-7 hours to complete. You will be exhausted at this stage and spend most of the hike imagining the hot shower you will be having that evening. At Marangu Gate you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak (depending on how far you managed to get). It is customary to present your trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this point. You will then be driven to Arusha for leisure and overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8: Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport.

If you are flying back home we mostly recommend to book an evening flight so that you can spend in the afternoon doing shopping in Arusha and off-course this is the reason why we booked your last night accommodation in Arusha. This is the beating heart of the wild and the last port of civilization. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna. In the late evening, depending on your flight time we will come to pick you up and drop you at Airport.

End of our service.

Prices Based on Per Person Sharing:

2pax at $1,870 per person;
4pax at $1,604 per person;
6pax at $1,548 per person;

BOOK THIS TOUR

THIS TOUR INCLUDES:

Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
Transfer to the hotel — in Moshi;
BB accommodations prior and after the climb;
Transfer to the trail head at Marangu gate;
Professional mountain crew. All Guides have “Wilderness First Responder” and “Wilderness First Aid” certificates, along with over 10 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with porters (who can carry up to 20kg of personal baggage);
Kilimanjaro National Park permits;
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees;
Hut fees;
3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;
Oximeters;
First aid kit;
Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick);
Meeting at Marangu gate exit and transfer to the hotel in Arusha;
International certificates for a successful ascent;
Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

** During the climb you will share a Hut with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants.

THIS TOUR EXCLUDES:

International and domestic flights;
Entry visa and Airport taxes;
Things of personal nature;
Mountain crew tips;
Medical evacuation on emergency;
Extra mountain gears (are available for hire);
Laundry services at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
Meals-lunch and dinner (before and after the ascent);
Personal gear rentals;
Oxygen systems and pulse;
Mountaineering insurance which cover 6000amsl.

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Kilimanjaro 7 Days Rongai Route

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DAY-BY-DAY RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Drive to Moshi

The first day on your amazing Kilimanjaro Rongai Route journey is filled with anticipation. After arriving at the airport, you’ll be greeted warmly by our driver who’ll take you to the hotel in Moshi. You’ll then settle down before attending an orientation session. Our experienced team leaders will guide you through all the important details of your trip and offer advice for a successful journey. Your hiking gear will then be carefully inspected and adjusted if necessary. The rest of the day is spent getting ready for your life-changing adventure. Overnight stay on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Rongai Start Point (1,950 meters) to Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters)

Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

On day one Rongai Route trekkers are driven from Moshi to Rongai Gate for registration before being shuttled a further 70 kilometers on poor roads to the Rongai Start Point at 1,950 meters. The trek begins from NaleMoru village and follows a gradual and winding trail that first crosses maize fields before entering the rainforest. The first day’s hiking is easy going and you will arrive at Rongai First Cave (2,620 meters) around mid-afternoon, where you can freshen up and have lunch.

Day 3: Rongai Cave (2,620 meters) to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 meters)

Distance: ~12km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

On day two the hike continues from Rongai First Cave through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone where you will notice the vegetation change to shrubs and grasses. You will stop for lunch at Rongai Second Cave (3,450 meters), 6km from the First Cave Camp, before turning east to Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 meters) for your overnight stay. Depending on your tour operator, eight day trekkers might stop at Rongai Second Caves for the night before proceeding to Kikelelwa Camp.

Day 4: Kikelelwa Camp (3,600 meters) to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters)

Distance: ~4km / 2.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Day three on the Rongai Route is a short, but steep climb from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) which sits in the shadow of the magnificent Mawenzi Peak. You will arrive at Mawenzi Tarn in time for lunch and then have the whole afternoon to explore the surrounding area and acclimatize.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn (4,300 meters) to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters)

Distance: ~9km / 5.5 miles
Trekking time: 8-10 hours
Zone: High alpine zone

Day four is a long but gradual hike from Mawenzi Tarn heading west through the Saddle which is formed between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi, and up to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut you will get served dinner and will go to bed early as you will be awoken around 23:30 to begin your summit attempt. Trekkers should remember to prepare their gear, including headlamp, camera, insulated water and warm weather clothes before they go to sleep.

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700amsl) to Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl) and then Horombo Hut (3,720amsl)

Distance: ~6km ascent and then 10km descent
Trekking time: 7-8 hours to the summit and then 5 hours to Horombo Hut
Zone: Summit zone, alpine and desert zone

Day five begins at midnight, after being awoken with tea and biscuits you will begin your ascent in the dark across a rocky path to the first check point, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,159amsl. You should have a break here and refuel on an energy bar. The path then zigzags and increases in steepness as you approach Gilman’s Point 2-3 hours later at 5,681amsl. You are now on Kibo’s crater rim, a huge achievement! But you still have a 200 meter ascent to trek to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895amsl). Dig deep to find the reserves and mental stamina to push yourself up the final slopes. At Uhuru Peak you will be able to stay briefly before descending back to Kibo Hut and on to Horombo Hut. In total you will be trekking upwards of 12-16 hours. It will be one of the longest days of your life but well worth it!

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720amsl) to Marangu Gate (1,879amsl)

Distance: ~19km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Zone: Moorland zone and rainforest

The final day from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,879amsl) is a long one, nearly 19km! Your knees will be sore from the previous days hike so go slowly and make sure of your footing as you descend, using your trekking poles to limit the impact on your joints. Those who got as far as Gilman’s Point but no further will be presented with a green certificate. Trekkers who made it all the way to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Most trekkers present their trekking team with their hard earned tips at this stage before we drive to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower, leisure and accommodation based on bed and breakfast!

Day 8: Departure from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport.

If you are flying back home we mostly recommend to book an evening flight so that you can spend in the afternoon doing shopping in Arusha and of course this is the reason why we booked your last night accommodation in Arusha. This is the beating heart of the wild and the last port of civilization. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliciously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna. In the late evening, depending on your flight time we will come to pick you up and drop you at Airport.