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Machame Route

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Machame Route

Tanzania

6 Days Machame Route

Duration:

6 Days

Tour Type:

Cultural Tourism

Transportation:

Private AC Van

Description:

The Marangu Route, commonly known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Its popularity comes from the unique comfort it offers, as it is the only route with permanent mountain huts, providing a more relaxed and sheltered trekking experience. Along the way, climbers are rewarded with stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s majestic Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

The Marangu Route is available as both 5-day and 6-day itineraries. The 5-day option is best suited for experienced trekkers who are confident with a faster ascent, while the 6-day itinerary is highly recommended for first-time climbers, allowing additional time for acclimatization and increasing the chances of a successful summit.

This route covers approximately 64 km (40 miles) and offers relatively comfortable trekking conditions. With the longer 6-day program, climbers enjoy an impressive 92% summit success rate, making the Marangu Route an excellent choice for those seeking a well-supported and comfortable climb to the Roof of Africa.

Include/Not Include:

  • Park fees
  • 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): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain forest

We depart moshi for marangu gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach mandara hut. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine

Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)

Take a diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath/moorland

We will start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of kibo and mawenzi peaks two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of kilimanjaro.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath/moorland

This is an extra day meant for acclimatisation and can be spent day hiking on mawenzi ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of kibo and mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to horombo hut.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

This is an extra day meant for acclimatisation and can be spent day hiking on mawenzi ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of kibo and mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to horombo hut.
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, break. At gilman point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over mawenzi peak.

Finally, we arrive at uhuru peak- the highest point on mount kilimanjaro and the continent of africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of africa and your accomplishment, we descend to horombo hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain forest

Very early in the morning, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, break. At gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over mawenzi peak. Finally, we arrive at uhuru peak- the highest point on mount kilimanjaro and the continent of africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of africa and your accomplishment, we descend to horombo hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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