Marangu Route Mt. Kilimanjaro
5 Days: Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
- Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
- Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi
Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, 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 atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. 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.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Elevation: Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Walking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
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).
Rioba Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You'll be dropped off at the airport.
NO.PAX
1 pax
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7 pax
8 pax
PRICE ($)
1769
1666
1612
1608
1586
1573
1568
1564
- This operator can help select and book your domestic and international flights
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Pre & Post Accommodation
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities (Senior guide : $30 per day from the whole group
Assistant guide : $20 per day from the whole group
Cook : $15 per day from the whole group
Porter : $10 per day from the whole group)
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
