5/6 Days Marangu Route
About The Marangu Route
The Marangu route is the oldest route of the Kilimanjaro mountain. 50% of the climbers use it to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak) of the mountain. It is often called the “Coca Cola route” because it has the easiest ascent profile. This makes it quite feasible for under-experienced and inexperienced climbers to climb the mountain.
The Marangu route is climbed within 5 days. However, it is recommended to plan one day more, so that the body acclimatizes better. To acclimatize you would then spend a day longer in the Horombo Hut.
In general, an advantage of this route is that you can sleep the entire way in huts, rather than in tents. In the huts will be available mattresses and pillows and there are toilets, washrooms, as well as dining rooms.
On the 69km long trail you will pass through different vegetation zones (Farmland, Rainforest, Heather and Moorland, Highland and Desert), each of which is a natural spectacle in itself. During the whole trek you will be accompanied by a cook, your personal porter and a professional tour guide.
Day 1) Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
In the morning you will be picked up by our guide and taken on a 45 minute drive to Marangu Gate in Moshi.
After you have been registered, the adventure can begin.
On the hike to the Mandara huts you will cross 2 vegetation zones (farmland and rainforest).
While the farmland is covered with banana and coffee plantations, the untouched rainforest seems almost virgin with its mountain slopes and moss growth that has made itself at home here.
Since it can be very wet and slippery, especially in the rainforest, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and have a raincoat ready.
In the afternoon you will reach the Mandara huts, where dinner will be served while you continue to dream about your first impressions.
Elevation: 1830m – 2740m/ 6000ft – 9000ft
Degrees: +25°C – +35°C
Habitat: Farmland & Rainforest
Trecking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight stay: Mandara Huts
Day 2) Mandera Huts to Horombo Huts
After breakfast you will set off for the Horombo huts.
After a rather steep climb through the rainforest you will reach the next vegetation zone, heath and moorland, characterized by giant lobelia and gobies.
On clear days you can even see Mawezi Peak and Kibo Peak, the largest peak of Kilimanjaro.
After a lunch break, you will continue hiking to Horombo Huts, where you will spend the night.
Here you can also stay a day longer to improve your chances of reaching the top of the mountain.
Elevation: 2740m-3690m/ 9000ft-12,100ft
Degrees: +15°C – +20°C
Habitat: Heather -and Moorland
Trecking time: 6-8 hours
Overnight stay: Horombo Huts
Day 3) Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
Today you need to have a big breakfast, because the day will probably be one of the most exhausting of the 5-6 days.
The air is getting thinner and thinner and also the temperatures, which are often below freezing, will get to you. Today we will make our way to the saddle that connects the peaks of Kibo and Mawezi.
Along the way, you will pass the Mandari Crater and be able to see the summit rise of Kibo, which you will climb this night.
On the way to the Kibo huts you will also pass the last water source before returning to the Horombo huts the night after next, where you can refill water.
In the afternoon you will reach the Kibo huts. Here you will have a hot meal and you should drink plenty of water. You should go to bed at 7 o’clock at the latest, so that you have enough strength for the final ascent to the summit.
Elevation: 3690m- 4695m/ 12,100ft-15,400ft
Degrees: -10°C-+15°C
Habitat: Desert
Trecking time: 6-8 hours
Overnight stay: Kibo Huts
Day 4) Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak
Today is the final day when you will fulfill your dream and finally reach Uhuru Peak.
Between midnight and 2am you will start the climb. The stony path is very demanding. Especially later, the path will be covered with snow.
But fatigue, cold and effort will be dampened by the increasing euphoria you will feel on the last path, giving you the power to complete the trail.
A break will be taken at Gillmans Point, from where you can watch the sunrise.
After a final 1 hour hike you have finally made it!
You have mastered probably the most physically demanding challenge of your life. Overcome by feelings of happiness and pride, you can take a few photos before you start the descent to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your last night on the mountain.
Elevation: 4695m-5895m/15,400ft-19,340ft
Degrees: down to -25°C
Habitat: Ice-Capped Summit
Trecking time: 5-7 hours up and 5-6 hours down
Overnight stay: Mweka Camp
Day 5) Mweka Camp to Marangu Gate in Moshi
You will spend the last day on the mountain descending, again through the rainforest.
You will have a break for lunch at Mandara Huts.
Arrived at Marangu Gate, you will get your summit certificates.
You will receive the green certificate when you reach Gillmans Point, and the gold certificate when you make it to the top of Uhuru Peak.
After celebrating with your mountain crew, please do not forget to tip your guides, porters and the cook, who have been your brave companions (how much should the tip be?).
We will then transfer you to your accommodation where you can take a hot shower and spend the night before heading home, to Zanzibar or on Safari.
Elevation: 3690m-1830m/12,100ft-6000ft
Degrees: +15°C – +35°C
Habitat: Rainforest, Heather and Moorland
Trecking time: 6-7 hours
Accomondation: Bistrol Cottage (Bed and Breakfast)
