6 Days Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route 2022/2023

6 Days Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route

Overview

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.

However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.

Detailed Itinerary of the Trip

Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Welcome to Tanzania - The Trip of Your Lifetime!

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris Hotel or similar hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
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Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paper work, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumb less black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and you have had some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to the Maundi Crater where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as of the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the evening at Mandara Hut.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest
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Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

An early breakfast strengthens you for the trek ahead and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut you will reach the cross roads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombu Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moon land reaching your destination in approximately 4 – 6 hours. Looking back your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Maasai steppe. After your evening meal you will drift off to sleep at the Horombu Hut.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland
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Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700 M) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 M) – Horombo Hut (4,700 M)

Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit and this 2 to 4 hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. A hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. You will stay another night at Horombo Hut.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 4km/2.5mi

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath and moorland
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Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700 M) – Kibo Hut (4,700 M)

After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and you will pass the “Last Waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “Saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23h00.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert
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Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 M) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 M) – Horombo Hut (3,700 M)

The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlight to light the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the rays of the morning light. After well-deserved photo opportunity you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 4700M to 5895 and down to 3700M

Distance: 6 km up/15 km down/9 km to Horombot

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
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Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate - Moshi

The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro Flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to your Stella Maris hotel. You can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included

Elevation: 3700M to 1900M

Distance: 19km/12m

Hiking Time: 5-8 hours

Habitat: Moorland to Montane forest

What’s Included Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables) All taxes, All entrances fees, and service fees included Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide Full board accommodation on the mountain All oxygen cylinder - only for emergency VAT (18% charged by the Government) Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter All specified accommodation	What’s Excluded Gratuities for Mountain crew (please tip separately) Drinks and beverages in the Camps Expenses of a personal Nature International & Domestic Flights Medical Insurance if needed Meals not specified Laundry service Sleeping bags Visa fees