MOUNT KILIMANJARO
HIKING - MARANGU ROUTE
8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS
Also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route approaches Kilimanjaro
from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route. Marangu route is
most favored because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given
its gradual slope and direct path. Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping
huts in dormitory style accommodations. 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. Also available for consumption are soft drinks, bottled water, and beer
Day 1: Arrival to Tanzania, Moshi Town
Arrive in Tanzania in the afternoon, check in a hotel and spend the rest of your day
in the hotel/lodge as prepare for the 6 day’s trek at Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Moshi Kilimanjaro, Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the
Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can
begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the
impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some
primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can
take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the
Kenyan interior.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi.
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Horombo Hut
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut,
you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone.
Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing
at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking
Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi.
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut
(3700m)
Horombo Hut
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and
greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing
breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black
and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo
Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and
regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi.
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Kibo Huts
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point”
which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau
joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut
that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening
meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi.
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Uhuru Peak
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent
around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave
at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach
Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will
slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night
and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On
your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break
before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi.
Approx. time taken: 12 - 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut
(2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass
the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at
the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your
mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in
reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi.
Approx. time taken: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8:
Have morning breakfast then check out of the hotel and head to Nairobi
with memories to cherish forever.
INCLUSIONS
- Transport (Road) from pick-up point to drop off point of your journey.
- Accommodation throughout the trip
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services which cost nearly 60% of the total cost charged.
- Professional mountain guides, and cooks
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National
- Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators(KIATO)
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
EXCLUSIONS
- Flight
- Visa for non-residents
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry services
- A doctor for the group