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Marangu Route

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Marangu Route

Tanzania

5 Days Marangu Route

Duration:

5 Days

Tour Type:

Cultural Tourism

Transportation:

Private AC Van

Description:

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular paths and for good reason. Renowned for its comfort, the route features permanent huts, allowing climbers to enjoy a more relaxed trekking experience. Along the way, breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s iconic Mawenzi and Kibo peaks make this route truly unforgettable.

Marangu offers both 6-day and 5-day itineraries. The 5-day option is ideal for experienced climbers seeking a faster ascent, while the 6-day itinerary is recommended for first-time trekkers, providing extra time for acclimatization and significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit.

On the Marangu Route, climbers cover approximately 64 km (40 miles) through diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to alpine desert while enjoying comfortable accommodations along the way. With the longer 6-day program, the route boasts an impressive 92% summit success rate, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to conquer Africa’s highest peak with confidence.

Include/Not Include:

  • Park fees
  • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
  • All activities(unless labeled as optional
  • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
  • A professional Drive/Guide
  • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer
  • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Camping Equipment
  • Porterage
  • Flight tickets
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • Alcohol drinks
  • Rescue Fee
  • Climbing Gear
  • Sleeping Bag

Tour Plan:

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860M) To Mandara Hut (2700M)
Elevation (ft): 1860m/6100ft to 2700/8875ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro national park gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through Rainforest to the Mandara encampment.

A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation (FT): 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5miles

Hiking Time: 5-6hours

Habitat: Heath/Moorland

You leave the glades of the rain forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo encampment.

Views of the Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin feel the affects of the altitude.
Elevation (FT): 3700m/12200ft to 4700m/15500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of the Kilimanjaro between the peaks of the Kibo and Mawenzi vegetation begins with upper health land but then disappear into moonscape. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Elevation (FT): 4700m/15500ft to 5895m/19340ft Down to 3700m/12200ft

Distance: 6km/4miles up/15km/miles down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up/15km/9miles down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on the steep and heavy snow up to Gilman point located on the crater rim, and then we will ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn.

Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on the Horombo encampment.

The begging of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks.

Going slowly pole poleand optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation (FT): 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours up/15km/9miles down

Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, a descent takes us down through Moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National park gate at Marangu. At lower elevation it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hr drive).

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