6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

TTHE MARANGU ROUTE: is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. And the minimum numbers of days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason.

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha:

Welcome to Tanzania. On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you’ll meet your company arranged driver who will transfer you to Arusha city to Green Mountain Hotel for dinner and overnight. Our driver will display your name on Mupana Tours signboard. These procedures ensure that you are picked up by the correct driver, rather than by some of the airport taxi drivers who are looking for business. You’ll get a chance for Mountain trekking briefing/introduction before your dinner.

• Meals: Dinner and Overnight
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 01: Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

After breakfast at your hotel, then departing from Arusha a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Dinner and overnight will be at Mandara Hut.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 02: Mandura Hut – Horombo Hut

After an early breakfast at Mandara Hut. Continuing into a section of shrubs and grass – the moorland zone where you will stop for lunch on the way. Continue for a couple of hours to reach the bustling Horombo Huts at 3700m. The huts have great views over the farms and plains below.  You might start to experience the altitude, headaches, nausea. Drink a lot of water, eat well and rest well to prepare your body for the next coming trekking day.

• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch and Dinner
• Guide: Professional English speaking guide.

DAY 03:  Horombo Hut

Today you’ll spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. You can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit. Enough day for resting which gives more body relaxation.

DAY 04: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

The day with long climb and uphill. The scenery changes into a moon landscape, barren and rocky as you cross the ‘Saddle.’ The piece of mountain was formed when the volcano erupted. The resulted lava flow now links Kilimanjaro’s two peaks – summit Kibo and Mawenzi.  If you experience headaches and nausea, these are symptoms of altitude sickness. Help your body cope by drinking water and walking slowly. You should reach Kibo Hut after about five to six hours. Supper will be served early so you can get to bed. Try to rest as you will need to be up and walking again by midnight. Dinner and overnight will be at Kibo Hut.

DAY 05:  Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

Today is summit day. You start out at night when the volcanic ash is still frozen and walking is easier. The mountain guide will wake you up and after some tea and snacks you will begin the slow trek to the summit. You will stop briefly at Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. Continuing ‘pole pole’ you should reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater’s rim by sunrise. As you feel the warm rays of the sun, you will continue for an hour or more up to the peak. Standing here on Uhuru Peak at 5895m you are now on the ‘Roof of Africa’, the highest point on the continent. After a few photos and hugs, you will turn back. The descent is fast and dusty as the lava ash will now have thawed.

After a few hours you will stop at Kibo Hut for snack and a rest. From there you will continue down to Horombo Hut (3700m) arriving in the afternoon. Eat well to replace lost energy and have good rest at Horombo Hut.

DAY 06: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha (Hotel)

Today will be final day leg stretchy at Kilimanjaro trek passes along the same path that you ascended on – through the heather, red-hot pokers and shrubs of the moorland vegetation zone. You will stop for a cooked lunch at Mandara Hut (2700 m). Soon, you will descend into the humid and green forest where you might spot the extravagant tails of the colobus monkeys. After a total time of six hours hiking, you should reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.

Then transfer back to Arusha direct to your hotel where a hot shower, fresh clothes and cold drinks are waiting. Supper and overnight stay at Green Mountain Hotel.

Departure Day:

After breakfast from your hotel, the company driver will transfer you to the airport – Kilimanjaro International Airport where you’ll board your flight heading back to your lovely country.