Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CLIMB MT. KILIMANJARO

$1720-1920 USD

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Safari summary

The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up Kilimanjaro where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
All drinks
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut. Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Like the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut – Acclimatization day

Kilimanjaro

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings like Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides, and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut passing the Zebra Rocks on the way is strongly recommended.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut. The upper route is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter). Kibo Hut is in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office

Kibo hut

Summit Attempt

Kilimanjaro

You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point. Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak. You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut.

Horombo hut

Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

Kilimanjaro

It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

Parkview Inn

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