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. Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast of the Mountain. It is the oldest established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest route on the mountain. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time is a bit low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended, maximizing the chance of reaching to the summit. Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 0: Welcome to Tanzania
We will pick you at Kilimanjaro Airport – with a sign bearing your name, then you will drive to Arusha for dinner and overnight. In the afternoon or evening your Our Mountain Guide will meet you for a Kilimanjaro climb briefing and an equipment check.
Day 1: Arusha to Marangu Gate (1879m) to Mandara Hut (2720m)
You will be transferred to Marangu gate from the hotel and do a registration at the gate (2-3 hours). 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 Mandala hut.
Dinner and overnight at: Mandara Hut (2720m).
Distance:8km.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Montana forest.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2720m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)
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.
Dinner and overnight at: Horombo Hut (3720m).
Distance: 11km.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720) hut to Kibo Hut (4720)
You start off early to the final hut before the summit attempt. Your crew ensure that water is collected at the last water point whilst you progress slowly up onto the saddle. Here desolate alpine zone stretches out towards the base of Kibo. Progress is slow in this hypoxic (low oxygen) environment but by mid-afternoon you reach Kibo Hut to relax before the evening ascent. A relatively early dinner is taken and then you climb into your sleeping bags for some rest before your night time departure for the summit.
Elevation: 3720m to 4720m
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4720) to Summit and Horombo Hut (3720)
Very early in the morning (midnight about 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4720m to 5895m Down to 3720m
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3720) to Marangu Gate (1879), to Arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3720m to 1879m
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
