MARANGU ROUTE – 6 DAYS

6 Days

Succes rate
Low
Accomodation
Huts
Language
English, French
Free Cancellation

The Marangu Route, often dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route,” stands out as the oldest and one of the most classic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its gentle slopes and well-maintained trails, the Marangu Route provides a comfortable and less strenuous ascent compared to other options.

Starting at Marangu Gate, the trail winds through lush rainforests filled with vibrant vegetation and diverse wildlife, offering a scenic and captivating introduction to the climb. Trekkers pass through various ecological zones, including the moorlands and alpine desert, experiencing the unique landscapes that define Kilimanjaro.

Noteworthy on the Marangu Route are the huts that serve as accommodation along the way, providing a more sheltered and comfortable experience than camping. These huts contribute to the route’s nickname, emphasizing the convenience and relative luxury compared to other camping-centric routes.

The final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, occurs overnight, allowing climbers to witness the sunrise from the summit. This magical moment, coupled with the accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa,” makes the Marangu Route a popular choice for those seeking a rewarding trek with a touch of comfort.

Embark on the Marangu Route with Eyes on Kilimanjaro for a classic and enjoyable journey up Africa’s highest peak, where stunning landscapes and a well-established trail converge for an unforgettable climbing experience.

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Day 1 :

Arrival Kilimanjaro airport

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will transfer you to the hotel. Settle in and take time to relax and to get used to the African atmosphere. It is possible to book an extra day of rest prior to start of the climb, to give you ample time to acclimatise and recover from the flight. This extra day increases your chances of reaching the summit.

NOTE: The hotel is not included in the price because depending on your preference we can offer you various options, from basic to luxurious accommodations. The choice is yours!

Day 2 :

Marangu Gate (1830 m/ 6,000 ft) – Mandara Huts (2700 m/ 8,858 ft)

Elevation gain: 870 m/ 2,854 ft | Distance: 11 km | Walking time: 5-7 hours| Difficulty: medium | Environment: rainforest

Our guide will bring you from the hotel to Marangu Gate in the morning, where your climb starts! The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then through untouched rainforest. It can be humid here, therefore it is advisable to wear rain gear. Today’s hike takes a total of five to seven hours. If you want to take time to enjoy the beautiful forests and pretty mountain slopes, you can do so. Then you will reach the first camp: the Mandara huts.

Those who wish can hike in the afternoon to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts. Of course you can also rest at the hut and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

This is your first day at this altitude. It is therefore strongly recommended to follow the instructions below from here:

1. Drink as much water as possible

2. Take a Diamox pill to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness if you feel any.

Day 3 :

Mandara Huts (2700 m/ 8,858 ft) – Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft)

Elevation gain: 1020 m/ 3,346 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: heather

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forest to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. On a clear day you have a beautiful view of Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. A little further you can also see Mawenzi, the second summit of Kilimanjaro. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Note: The acclimatization walk is an easy hike with a slight rise in altitude. This will accelerate the acclimatization process. The acclimatization hikes are highly recommended as they increase your chances to summit Kilimanjaro by reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

If you take the recommended extra acclimatization day, doing the Marangu route in 6 instead of 5 days: the only difference is that you will stay one more night in the Horombo Huts. After breakfast you will go for another acclimatization hike towards Kibo huts and back. After lunch you have the opportunity to take some pictures of the Mawenzi Vulcano, discover the area or take a rest to be ready for the next day.

Day 4 :

Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts (4700 m/ 15,419 ft)

Elevation gain: 980 m/ 3,215 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 4-8 hours | Difficulty: difficult | Environment: alpine desert

Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The landscape here is more open and bare and offers less shelter. The hike is quite heavy, but you should try to maintain an appropriate pace to preserve your strength for the summit tomorrow. Our experienced guides will help you with this. You will arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead! It is advisable to rest well and drink plenty of water.

Day 5 :

Kibo Huts (4700 m/ 15,419 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m/ 19,340 ft) – Hurombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft)

At night you start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Until sunrise you will use your flashlight. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb. There will be one personal guide per two climbers, in order to closely monitor and evaluate the climbers’ physical and mental state. After a steep path you will reach Gilman’s Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far away, and relatively easy to climb. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height!

After a small party at the top, you return to the Kibo Huts before decending further for dinner and overnight at Horombo huts. In total you will be on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard day! When descending, pay close attention to where you put your feet to prevent any injury.

Day 6 :

Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,139 ft) – Marangu Gate (1830 m/ 6,003 ft)

Elevation loss: 1890 m/ 6,200 ft | Distance: 18 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: rainforest

Today you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro.

After the descent, the whole group comes together to congratulate each other.

Day 7 :

to Kilimanjaro airport or let's discover Tanzania

After this amazing experience, you can choose to fly home on the day after or choose to discover what esle Tanzania has to offer you such as safaris, several day trips or going to relax on the beautiful coasts rather on the Mainland or on Zanzibar. We will be glad to help you to choose within all those possibilties.