6-DAYS | 5 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO TREKKING VIA MARANGU ROUTE

The route is also known as the coca cola route because it is widely considered to be the easiest route; this is not very accurate as its short time frame does not favor acclimatization. The highlight about the path is mainly its sleeping arrangement, where instead of tents climbers sleep in huts and the trail has a gradual slope and a direct path to the peak. The route is almost as scenic as other routes but since the ascent and descent are done on the same path, the other routes are superior to it.

The route can be done in just five days but it is highly advised to take an extra day at horombo hut for acclimatization. The trail approaches the mountain from southeast and only takes about 45 minutes to reach the gate from Moshi town.

If you are looking for more company while hiking to Mount Kilimanjaro then Marangu should be on the top of your list as meals are served in open canteens, you will be sharing the canteen space with other trekkers so this can be an enjoyable experience. However, if you want privacy you may want to consider other routes.

During the rainy season, Marangu can be a run-to-route because of the accommodation style offered, the huts are drier and more comfortable compared to tents. We offer both 5 and 6 days hikes to the mountain using the Marangu route.

ITINERARY

Arrival from Kilimanjaro airport – Moshi

After arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will meet your guide waiting for you with a smile; relax and enjoy your drive as you’re transferred to the hotel in Moshi. Get some rest as you prepare yourself for an amazing adventure of 6 days of marangu route Kilimanjaro climbing.

Accommodation:

Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast

Overnight stay:

Moshi - Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

DAY 1

MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA

Immediately after breakfast in your hotel, the driver will pick you up and make your first spot in the office for briefing and gear check. There after we will drive to marangu gate for about 45 minutes and officially commence our trek through beautiful tropical rain forest which will lead us to mandara hut. Along the way you may spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 6,046ft - 8,858ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 2

MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

We proceed with our trek by departing from the hut early in the morning and hike through the forest until we reach the open moorlands. Along the way we might get the first view of kibo and mawenzi peaks, you will also come across giant lobelias, and groundsels scattered though out the area. Upon arrival at horombo hut dinner will be offered and rest for the night.

Elevation: 8,858ft to 12,205ft

Distance Covered: 11km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3

HOROMBO HUT – MAWENZI – BACK TO HOROMBO (Acclimatization Day)

This day is special for acclimatization, there will be an option of a short hike to mawenzi hut which will only take about 4 hours, and it is highly recommended for acclimatization. You will have an early rest and prepare for the next day schedule.

Elevation: 12,205ft to 14,400ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 14,400ft to 12,205ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

DAY 4

HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

We’ll begin our gradual climb to kibo hut and along the way we’ll pass through the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is between kibo and mawenzi. After reaching kibo dinner will be served early and prepare for the summit climb which will start at 02:00am

Elevation: 12,205ft to 15,430ft

Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,700 m

Distance Covered: 10km

Time to be used: 6 - 8hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Habitat: Alpine Desert

DAY 5

KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN HOROMBO HUT

Around 2:00 am you will be woken up for an early hike to the summit. Hot tea will be served with some snacks and a strenuous hike to the uhuru peak will begin. We will trek on the steep and snowy trail up to Gilman’s point and keep heading to uhuru peak; the highest peak in Africa. After reaching the peak, take some pictures and savor your victory and after that start your descent. We’ll have lunch at kibo and after that head to horombo for dinner and a night rest.

The last part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a bit challenging so make sure you are well covered, as the weather will be very cold, pay attention to your guide and do not rush.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430ft -19,341ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 19,341ft - 12,250ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

DAY 6

HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE TO MOSHI

We’ll depart from horombo and start our descent through moorland to mandara hut. Proceed descending through the lush green forest to marangu gate a vehicle will meet you and take you back to your hotel in moshi. The lower parts of the mountain can be wet and slippery so trekking poles and gaiters will be helpful.

Elevation: 12,205ft to 6,046ft

Distance Covered: 18km down

Time to be used: 5 - 7hrs

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Habitat: Rain Forest