6 Days Marangu Route

6 Days Marangu Route

Marangu route, nicknamed the ‘Coca Cola’ route, has historically been the most popular Kilimanjaro route. Around 12,000 people use it each year, most commonly those on a tight budget. This is because it’s the only Kilimanjaro route offering dormitory-like accommodation. This makes it a popular choice for budget Kilimanjaro operators that don’t have camping equipment to offer.

Tour Highlights:

Your climb takes you through various climatic zones, including rainforest, moorland and high-altitude desert. The ascent and descent are along the same path. You start at Marangu Gate, climb to the summit, and then head back down to Marangu Gate.

include

  • Guarantee price/guarantee trek on confirmation
  • Gate Enter fees
  • Professional, English-speaking, experienced mountain guides
  • Transfer to and from the base of the mountain
  • Cook and porters
  • Private toilet tent
  • Full board accommodation whilst on the trek.
  • Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
  • Accommodations in camps/huts as per the itinerary
  • Service of an English speaking professional guide and skilled cook
  • Start and finish in Arusha.
  • Treated water on the trek.

additional information

  • Laundry, tips, sleeping bags, beverages/drinks, accommodation before the trek and climbing gears
  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Items of personal nature
  • Any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate To Mandara Hut

You hike through dense rainforest, though at points there are openings in the vegetation that offer views of the farmlands which cover the base of the mountain outside of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The day’s trail ends at Mandara Hut, where you overnight.

Day 2: Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

You trek through more beautiful rainforest, but soon the forest gives way to moorland. The snow-capped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen. After trekking for six to eight hours you reach Horombo Hut, where you stay for the night.

Day 3: Horombo Hut To Mawenzi Ridge To Horombo Hut

Your third day on the mountain can be split into two parts: a climb to Mawenzi Ridge, followed by a return to Horombo Hut. The reason for this is that it’s in keeping with the ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy which helps your body to acclimatise properly to the increased elevation. This part of the day’s trek sees you climb from Horombo Hut up into the heath zone of Kilimanjaro. The turning point of the climb comes when you reach the horseshoe-shaped Mawenzi ridge. When you reach Mawenzi ridge you spend some time there taking in the breath-taking views before heading back down to Horombo Hut for another night. As already mentioned, climbing high and then sleeping low is an important acclimatisation strategy.

Day 4: Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

Today you traverse the so-called Saddle, a five-mile stretch of rubble and emptiness that connects the craters of Mawenzi and Kibo. You spend the night at Kibo Hut.

Day 5: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak To Horombo Hut

Similarly to Day 3, today’s trek consists of two parts. For the first part, you strike out for the summit! Having hopefully successfully reached it, you start your descent down the mountain, stopping at the now familiar Horombo Hut for the night. Your guide wakes you up around midnight to get ready for the ascent. The route ascends northwest into the dark night. Within about six hours you reach Stella Point and enjoy the sunrise. After that, you trek for about another hour on a snow-covered trail to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) at the very top of Africa! After reaching the summit, you descend to Horombo Hut for the night. Having hiked for about 12 to 15 hours, you’ll fall asleep immediately.

Day 6: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate

Today you do the last bit of hiking down to the foot of the mountain, where your driver is waiting for you. Time for a beer and a great celebration dinner!

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