5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Marangu 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 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.
Full Itinerary
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft
Departing from Moshi a 1-hour drive will take you through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft
After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
Kibo huts – summit: 4km /2.5 mi up | 5-7hrs | – Horombo huts: 14km /9mi down | 5-6hrs | glaciers, snow-capped summit
Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the mandara huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return to the marangu park gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes).
Included
- Transfers
- Entry fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Climbing crew
Excluded
- Airline tickets
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Mountaineering insurance
Location
Safari Booking Form
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