5 days Trekking Marangu route

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5 days

unlimited

Trekking

Any desired

short overview

Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

itinerary

Arrival

A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your lodge. We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Accommodation:

DAY 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

On day 1 of your Kilimanjaro trek, you hike through dense rainforest, though at points there are openings in the vegetation that offer views of the farmlands which cover the base of the mountain outside of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The day’s trail ends at Mandara Hut, where you overnight.

Accommodation:

DAY 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

On day 2 you trek through more beautiful rainforest, but soon the forest gives way to moorland. The snowcapped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen. After trekking for six to eight hours you reach Horombo Hut, where you stay for the night.

Accommodation:

DAY 3 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today you traverse the so-called Saddle, a five-mile stretch of rubble and emptiness that connects the craters of Mawenzi and Kibo. You spend the night at Kibo Hut.

Accommodation:

DAY 4 - Kibo Hut - Summit - Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elev 5700m/18,700ft). Continuing, we now 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 to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning 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 pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Accommodation:

DAY 5 - Horombo Hut – Mandara – Marangu Gate - hotel

After breakfast, a steady 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 elevations, 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). Kilimanjaro Unforgettable vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Accommodation:

Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

No Accommodation

Included/excluded

Oxygen
Oximeters
Camp pillow
Airport Transfer
Extra sleeping pad
Hut or camping fees
National Park gate fees
Hyperbaric pressure bag
Dining chairs with backs
All meals on the mountain
Hot lunches on the mountain
Salaries for all crew members
Kilimanjaro map for the group
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Accommodation in Moshi/ Arusha
Celebration dinner at the hotel after returning from trek
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Special Kilimanjaro guide with Wilderness First Responder certification
Transport from Moshi/ Arusha to starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi/ Arusha