Marangu route trekking

8 days—Ascend to the peak of the Kilimanjaro mountain on the Marangu route. This six-day or five day hike, on what is sometimes called the Coca-Cola route.

$1550-2968 USD

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Safari summary

This path provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering sweeping views and a wonderful hiking adventure all the way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. That said, it also has some unique aspects that set it apart from any of the other routes as well, giving Marangu route a character and feeling that is entirely its own.

Marangu Route

Marangu route starting point

One of the more interesting aspects of Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping, so instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts instead.

These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, which makes this route a popular one for travelers climbing during the rainy season, which comes in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut

While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why Marangu route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”

Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, which has given it the reputation for being the easiest trekking route on Kilimanjaro.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Walking safari—with armed guard
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

International flights
Laundry
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

KILIMANJARO AIRPORT |KIZUMBA HOUSE

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be picked up and transferred to Kizumba House or similar overnight. Overnight at Kizumba House (bed and breakfast) or Similar.

Kizumba House

MARANGU GATE | MANDARA HUT

Kilimanjaro

Altitude: 1,800 m – 2,720 m Hiking time: 4 hours Leave Kizumba House at about 7:30 a.m. and drive to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate, such as registrations. Begin hiking at about 10:30 a.m. Hike through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut, which takes about 4 hours. Stop halfway for lunch. Reach the Mandara Huts at about 2 or 3 p.m. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee

Mandara Hut

MANDARA HUT | HOROMBO HUT

Kilimanjaro

Altitude: 2,720 m – 3,720 m Hiking time: 5-6 hours Wake up for breakfast (approx. 7:30 a.m.) and pack for the next leg. Break camp at about 8:30 am and hike to Horombo Hut. This leg should take 5 to 6 hrs. You travel through lower-heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts at about 3 p.m.

Horombo Hut

HOROMBO HUT (Acclimatization Day)

Kilimanjaro

This day, you will have an extra day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for acclimatization. It will be great training for your body to get used to the altitude as you walk around the hut up to zebra rocks at an altitude of 4,100 m and back. You will get spectacular views and familiarize yourself with summit weather. You will overnight at Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut

HOROMBO HUT | KIBO HUT

Kilimanjaro

Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,720 m Hiking time: 6–7 hours Wake up for breakfast as usual (if you wake before sun-up, you can get some great photos of the sunrise). Pack and begin the hike to Kibo Huts. The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heath land, while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness.

Kibo Hut

KIBO HUT | SUMMIT | HOROMBO HUT

Kilimanjaro

Altitude: 4,720 m–5,895 m Hiking time: 7 hours Wake up at around midnight to a light breakfast, and prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out in the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 a.m. and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 a.m. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to Uhuru Peak at about 8:30a.m.

Horombo Hut

HOROMBO HUT | MARANGU GATE

Kilimanjaro

Wake up, pack, and descend to Mandara Huts. Have your lunch there and continue to the park gate, where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 2 or 3 p.m. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, Overnight in Kizumba Hotel hotel. It is recommended to tip guides and porters. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,759m) are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.

Kizumba House

ARUSHA | KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. Zanzibar is a great trip to take after a hard climb. Other trips around Arusha city can be arranged at a reasonable price.

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