Tour Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola Route Kilimanjaro” because of the availability of Coca Cola in the tea huts back in the day, is the easiest of all the Kilimanjaro routes due to its gradual slope and the removal of obstacles to create a well-defined path.
Included And Excluded
- Departure LocationArusha City
- Return LocationArusha City
- Accomdation while on SafariYes
- Arrival & departure airport transfersYes
- Shared 4x4 Land cruiser vehicleYes
- All Park Fees as specified in itineraryYes
- English Speaking Drive / GuideYes
- All Tanzania government taxes and service chargesYes
- Flying Doctor’s evacuation serviceYes
- Bottled mineral water while on safariYes
- International Flights to/From No
- All items of personal nature phone callsNo
- Travel insuranceNo
- Laundry & VisasNo
- Tips and gratuitiesNo
- Add-on and supplements [Balloon Safari]No
- All other items not mentioned in the inclusions.No
Tour Plan
The sleeping huts found here are quite comfortable, which eliminates any need for camping. Also known as the “Tourist Route” because of its popularity and relative ease of ascent, Marangu is ideal for people who prefer walking on well-defined paths rather than secluded steep slopes. Because of its ease, Marangu is much cheaper than other routes as well.
Highlights
- Shortest route to the summit which means a lower success rate
- Ascent and descent on same route
- Only route up Kilimanjaro with dormitory style accommodation
01
MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
OVERNIGHT: MANDARA HUT
After breakfast we will collect you from your hotel for your transfer to Marangu Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent on a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, covered with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also wheremost of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. We will spend our first night at Mandara Hut, a group of wooden A-framed huts set in a forest clearing. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
02
DAY 02 - MANDARA HUT 0 HOROMBO HUT TREK
OVERNIGHT: HOROMBO HUT
From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater emerging into the transition zone from rain forest to moorland. After about 6 hours we arrive at Horombo Hut.
03
DAY 03 - HOROMBO HUT (Acclimatisation)
OVERNIGHT: HOROMBO HUT
This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for good acclimatisation. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down) is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatisation.
04
DAY 04 - HOROMBO HUT - KIBO HUT
OVERNIGHT: KIBO HUT
We continue our ascent into the Alpine desert zone passing the last place where water is available at 4130m. From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. We will make our summit ascent tonight so we will go to go to bed early to get as much rest as possible.
05
Begin your descent back to Kibo Hut and finally back to Horombo Hut. This is surely going to be the longest day of your life, but it’s also bound to be the most enriching one so far.
DAY 05 - KIBO HUT - SUMMIT - HOROMBO HUT
OVERNIGHT: HOROMBO HUT
Today’s the day you finally climb to the summit. You embark along a rocky path at midnight reaching the first checkpoint at 5150 meters (Hans Meyer Cave). The path continues for another two hours till you reach Gilman’s Point. This is where you take a break, rest those aching limbs and refuel your body. After adequate rest, you push onto Uhuru Peak, where you can click some of the most stunning pictures.
Begin your descent back to Kibo Hut and finally back to Horombo Hut. This is surely going to be the longest day of your life, but it’s also bound to be the most enriching one so far.
06
DAY 06 - HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE
Your final day on the trek, departing after breakfast we descend a further 1740m to Marangu Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. Transfer to your hotel for a well- earned shower and celebration.
