Marangu Route 6 days

The Marangu route has a nick name known as “Coca Cola” means it is easiest and shortest route to the roof of Africa. This is the only route with the comfort of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

Price $ 1750

OVERVIEW-MARANGU ROUTE.

This route can be done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo and having short walk to Zebra rocks for acclimatization.

DAY 1-MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

Elevation: 1860m (6100ft) to 2700m (8875ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitant: Montane forest

Leave Arusha at 8am to Marangu Gate. After completing gate registration, begin your hiking. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of hike. Have a lunch on the way at Kisambioni which is half-way point. After lunch continue walking through the rain forest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short work to Maundi crater. The views to the east over the Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort.
The Mandara huts can accommodate 300 people, these include Clients, guides and porters and consist of several sleeping hut and a dining area. All sleeping huts have got beds with mattress and pillows.

DAY 2. MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO

Elevation: 2700m (8875ft) to 3700 (12,200 ft)
Distance: 12km (7.5 mi)
Time: 5-6 hours
Habitant: Heathland

After breakfast, leave the Mandara hut and Kilimanjaro’s forest for Horombo hut. Most of the days hike will be through Kilimanjaro moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat lunch at picnic (Kambi ya Taabu) before continuing to Horombo hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo at around 3pm and spent the rest of afternoon relaxing.
Although extreme busy, the Horombo huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small A-frame buildings can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides.

DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT TO ZEBRA ROCK BACK TO HOROMBO HUT

Horombo Hut 3700m (12,200) to Zebra Rock 4600m (15,000ft) to Horombo hut 3700ft (12,200).
Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Zebra Rock to allow the maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chance of reaching Uhuru peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

DAY4-HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT.

Elevation: 3700m (12,200ft) to 4700m (15,500ft )
Distance: 9km (5.5mi)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

DAY 5 - KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT, AND DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT

Elevation: 4700m (15,500ft) to 5895m (19,340ft) Down to 3700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 6 km (4mi) up 15km (9mi) down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up 15km (9mi) down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.
On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

DAY 6 - HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE, DRIVE TO ARUSHA

Elevation: 3700m (12,200ft) to 1700m (5500ft)
Distance: 20km (12.5mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Day 7 - Departure Day

Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for one of our Safari Adventures. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.