Overview
Kilimanjaro Marangu route it is known as “Coca-Cola” route or “tourist route” this is because Marangu is the most common route on the mountain and thus is considered popular touristy and because is the only route that provide sleeping huts. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the southeast Marangu is a very popular route among the present day tourists. It is the oldest established route. The route is mostly favored for its scenic view and easy accessibility. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time is a bit low. It is always recommended to take an extra day to reach at the summit as this is an excellent way to hike the success rate. The dormitory style accommodations (the huts) take it to the top of the preference list for anyone while selecting the routes.
Day 1 : Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our driver who will pick you up and transfer to Moshi town to your designated hotel for overnight.
Day 2 : Moshi to Marangu gate to Mandara huts
Elevetion: 1200m to 1860m to 2700m Distance: 8km Habitat: Montana forest You will be transferred to Marangu gate from the hotel and do a registration at the gate. Afterwards, you will begin trekking though the rainforest to Mandara hut. Here you will have an acclimatization opportunity of visiting Mound Crater. Dinner and overnight at Mandara hut.
Day 3 : Mandara huts to Horombo huts
Elevation: 2700m to 3720m, Distance 12km, Habitat: Moorland After breakfast you will out climb the rainforest and continue trekking to Horombo hut where you will trek through rolling moorlands and get your fist clear view of towering Kilimanjaro.
Day 4 : Horombo hut (This day is omitted if choosing a 5 day itinerary)
Spend an extra day here at Horombo during the 6 day itinerary for acclimatization purposes.This would absolutely be a leisure day for you. Just hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rock for high altitude practice and then return back to Horombo hut for lunch. No work: rest until dinner and overnight.
Day 5 : Horombo huts to Kibo huts
Elevation: 3720m to 4703m, Distance: 9km, Habitat: Alpine Desert. After the breakfast you trek past the last water point to reach Kibo saddle -a great desert between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and overnight at Kibo hut.
Day 6 : Summit Day, Kibo huts camp to Uhuru peak to Horombo huts camp
Elevation: 4703m to 5895m, down 3720m, Distance: 6km up, 15km down, Habitat: Alpine Desert. Wake at midnight for a light breakfast then prepare for your summit ascent. As you know that you have to trek in the darkness, so carry your headlamp/ flashlight with you. Pack your warm clothes to make yourself comfortable on the summit. As it would be too cold. Remember, your aim is to reach Uhuru peak shortly before or after sunrise to watch the great sight of the sunrise. Yet don’t get hurried. Trek slowly through steep scree or possibly snow. This s the most difficult part of your climb and always try to reach at the Gilman’s point latest by 4-6 Am. At this point you will have a view of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. It is because, after that you would have to take another 2 hours trek to reach at Uhuru. Stay for a short period there at Uhuru for photography and start descending to Kibo huts, to have lunch, rest and collect your equipments and continue down trough the saddle to Horombo hut. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.
Day 7 : Horombo huts camp to Marangu gate to Moshi
Elevetion: 3720m to 1860m to 1200m, Distance: 20km, Descending Time: 4-7 hours After a long sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara huts. After the gate sign out, have lunch proceed through lush forest to Marangu gate, a vehicle will take you back Moshi at the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation and celebration!
Day 8 : Kilimanjaro International Airport.
After a good night rest and breakfast at the lodge, our transfer vehicle will be ready to pick you up and take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with your flight back home. But if you wish to extend your program and proceed with safari kindly let us know so that we can arrange it in advance.
