Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking 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 favour 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, the 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.

Highlights

It is considered to be the more comfortable and easiest route
Enjoy sleeping overnight in a simple mountain hut
See Kibo and Mawenzi Volcanoes
The climb is moderate and constant with only the final leg to the summit slightly more challenging

Good to Know

Languages offered on activity/tour: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Duration: 5 days

Skip the Line
Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted
Instant Confirmation
Pick-up service Airport pick-up drop-off is included in the price you pay

Disability Services
Yes activity is wheelchair accessible and can cater for people with disabilities
only in Marangu route,.

Itinerary

DAYS

1Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate.

The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cosy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and internet access.

In the evening there will be a briefing with our professional mountain guide, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Dinner
Accommodation : hotel under the rate

2Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m).

After the quick formalities of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes but also your raincoats.

When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities, pitch the tents, and prepare lunch. Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on: abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine and drink over 4 litres of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently). Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies. At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may, therefore, start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Elevation: Marangu Gate (1,860 m), Mandara Hut (2,700 m), Hiking distance: 11 km, Hiking time: 5–7 hours

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation : Hut

3Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.

Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Elevation: Mandara Hut (2,700 m), Horombo Hut (3,720 m), Hiking distance: 10 km, Hiking time: 5–6 hours, Acclimatization hike: Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m) Hiking distance: 2.5 km Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation : Hut

4Trekking From Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

On this day, right after breakfast, the group will be trekking to Kibo Hut (4,700 m).

The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick to an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit.

When you reach the camp you will be served lunch, after which we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water.

Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m), Kibo Hut (4,700 m), Hiking distance: 10 km, Hiking time: 4–8 hours

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation : Hut

5Trekking to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Night departure from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m).

The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem.

For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their own guide, who will be monitoring your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

Change in Elevation: Kibo Hut (4,700 m), Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Horombo Hut (3,720 m), Hiking distance: 16 km, Hiking time: 9–12 hours

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation : Hut

6Descent From Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m).

After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions of the trip in the guestbook.

Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.

Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m), Marangu Gate (1,860 m), Hiking distance: 18 km, Hiking time: 5–6 hours

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation : Hut

7Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.