8 days Kilimanjaro Climb Via Marangu Route
Overview
The Coca Cola Route
Marangu is a term derived from the native Chagga language and the direct translation is “full of water”. The Marangu Route is highly frequented and it is the oldest route travelled. The Marangu Route is said to be the easiest way to the summit and a generally effortless trek. It is the only route that approaches the Kilimanjaro from the southeast. The required time needed to complete the hike is 5 days experts recommend a 6th day for extra acclimatisation on the mountain. The accommodation sets this route apart from the others as there are dormitory style sleeping huts. Your own sleeping bag is required but the huts have relatively comfy mattresses and bunks. The 7 days Marangu Route will always be the timeless trip to Africa’s rooftop, however, the other routes tend to provide more scenic variation.
Included/Exclude
- Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
- Pre & post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
- Park, rescue and hut accommodation fees
- Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & cook
- Breakfasts; Lunches; Dinners
- Water; tea and coffee with meals
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Meals in hotel Moshi
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Personal equipment
- Sleeping bag
- Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
Tour Plan
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up from the airport and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Briefing will take place at the hotel. Our guides will go through all the important details regarding your trek and an inspection of your trekking gear to make sure that you have enough needed equipments for your climb next day.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)
Elevation Gain: 943 meters (3,000 feet) Walking Time:3-4 hours Distance:7km
You will have a chance getting to know your guides, chefs and porters before departing the hotel in Moshi. You will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro after completing the gate registration. Our final destination is the Mandara Hut. Once we arrive you can decide whether you want to relax for the rest of the day or take a leisurely stroll to the Maundi Crater.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters (3,200 feet) Walking Time:5-6 hours Distance:11km
After breakfast we will begin our trek to the Horombo hut. Today’s terrain, the Killimanjaro’s moorland, is a total contrast to the rainforest. And in the distance the presence of Uhuru Peak and Mawenzi is acknowledged. When we get to Kambi ya Taanu we will take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Pleasant blue skies will allow you to marvel at the scenic views of Mawenzi and the peaks of Kibo. We will arrive at the Horombo Hut in the afternoon and you will have the opportunity to unwind for the rest of the day while enjoying the surrounding of Horombo huts since they are the luxury huts.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters (2,900 feet) Walking Time:4-5hours Distance:8km
The purpose of day three is to acclimate yourself to increase your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak. We suggest that you aim to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut to enable maximum acclimatisation. A nice lunch meal lunch will be served and relax the rest of the day.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters (3,380 feet) Walking Time:6-8hours Distance:10km
After morning breakfast being served and collect your belongings we will hike through the alpine desert of the upper altitudes of Kilimanjaro. After an hour we will arrive at the Maua River and encounter our first milestone, a small mountain stream. Once we come across the Middle Red Hill, we will take a break and eat lunch. Will reach the Kibo Huts in the afternoon, and it is recommended that you prepare for your midnight climb and to rest as early as possible.
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,760 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters (7,140 feet) Walking Time:11-13hours Distance:18km
We will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. You will set off into the darkness of the midnight skies with a curious mix of minor fatigue and raw adrenalin that will carry you to the summit. The hike beings with a gruelling five hour trek to Gillman’s Point, located on the perimeter of the crater. This trail is tremendously difficult irrespective of the fact that it is considered the easiest ascent path. It takes approximately two hours to come across the first major rest stop, William’s point. It is positioned at 500 metres and you will continue for another thirty minutes before encountering the rocky terrain that leads the way to Gillman’s Point (5,681 metres). The actual hike to Gilman’s does not have a great level of difficulty but when you combine the hike with a high altitude, it becomes tiring and long. You will hike for a further two hours before reaching your goal, Uhuru Peak. Before our descent begins, you can take photos of the landscape and your group. You will realize that the route down the summit has remarkable views. We will stop at the Kibo Hut to give you a chance to catch your breath. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Horombo Huts. You can relax and have a look at the surroundings of your last night on the mountain.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Moshi
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters (6,295 feet) Walking Time:5-6hours Distance:19km
After enjoying your last breakfast in the dining area, you will start your last trek. The descent to the Marangu gate includes one of the most beautiful sights, Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Marvel at the rays of light and mysterious puffs of white that gleam through the underpass of branches. Please remain alert when you are walking as the path tends to get slippery. Our vehicles with take you back to Moshi when you arrive at the Marangu Gate. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and souvenirs that will remind you of your 8 days Marangu route for years to come.
Day 8: Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
A driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect your flight. If you’ve decided to go on a safari – well, that’s a different adventure and we’ll be thrilled to arrange it for you as well!