Climb Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route

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Overview

Tour Type:Daily tour, Package tour, Private tour
Language:English

Itinerary

Day 1 - Moshi/Airport/Arusha – Marangu Gate (1870 M) – Mandara Hut (2700 M)

You’ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodation/Kilimanjaro International Airport and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park, Marangu Gate(1870 M) arriving in time for lunch at the gate.
From here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.

Hiking through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.

You’ll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts(2700 M), which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You won’t be seeing those again anytime soon!

Destination: Kilimanjaro National Park
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hrs. (8 Km)
Zone: Rainforest
Elevation: 830 M
Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)

Day 2 - Mandara Hut (2700 M) - Horombo Hut (3720 M)

After your breakfast you’ll set off bright and early today, as you’ve got a long day of hiking ahead of you!

Today’s hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as you’ll cover more kilometres than your 1st day.

If the weather is clear, you’ll find stunning views of Kibo Glacier on your way before settling down for the evening at Horombo Huts. (3720 M)

Destination: Horombo Huts
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hrs. (12 Km)
Zone: Rainforest/Low Alpine Zone
Elevation: 1020 M
Meals: All Meals

Day 3 - Horombo Huts (3720 M) - Kibo Huts (4700 M)

t’s another big day of hiking today, as you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut to set up camp ahead of your summit attempt.
Climbing almost 1,000m, you’ll pass your last watering point at the 4,130m mark before arriving at Kibo Hut (4700 M) in the afternoon.

Remember to drink plenty of water during your early dinner, as you’ll be up bright and early tomorrow to begin your ascent to the summit!

Destination: Kibo Huts
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hrs. (10 Km)
Zone: Low Alpine Zone/High Alpine Zone
Elevation: 980 M
Meals: All Meals

Day 4 - Kibo Huts (4700 M) - Uhuru Peak (5985 M) - Horombo Huts (3720 M)

You’re going to start your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!

Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it

You’ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most grueling days of your life!

Destination: Uhuru Peak and back to Horombo Huts
Summit Ascent Time: 6 to 8 hrs. (5.5 Km)
Descent Time: 4 to 5 hrs to Kibo Huts & 4 to 5 hrs to Horombo Huts.
Zone: Glacial/Low Alpine Zone/High Alpine Zone
Elevation: 1195 M
Meals: All Meals

Day 5 - Horombo Huts (3720 M) - Marangu Gate (1870 M) - Moshi

It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.

It’s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.

Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.

Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.

Destination: Back to Moshi/Arusha
Descent Time: 6 to 8 hrs.(20 Km)
Travel Time to Moshi: 2 to 3 hrs
Zone: Low Alpine Zone/Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch (No Dinner)

Highlights

Its a 5 Days 4 Nights Hike.
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu route.
Best Time to Visit: January to March, or between June and October, to enjoy the best weather conditions.
Tour Type-Private
Trip Extensions available on request.

Includes/Excludes

All Accommodation in the mountain
All National Park Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Professional, experienced, mountain guides, chef & potters
All meals while on the Mountain
Gate Transfers to and from Arusha
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

Passports and visa applications and processing
International flights and taxes
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for porters and mountain crew (Recommended: Guides - $20 per day, Cook - $15 per day, Porters - $10)
Entrance fee for activities noted as optional
Personal mountain gears such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc. (All available for hiring in our Gear Shops)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
All additional costs incase of an early descent from the mountain (This includes: Meals, Lodges accommodation after descend. Park fees will also be non-refundable for days not in the mountain.)

Tour maps

Open in Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What makes the Marangu Route unique compared to other Kilimanjaro routes?

The Marangu Route, also called the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the only route that offers hut accommodations (instead of tents). It is considered one of the easier and shorter options, though acclimatization can be more challenging due to its quick ascent.

What is included in the 5 Days / 4 Nights Marangu Route hike package?

The package generally includes park entry fees, hut accommodations, meals during the trek, services of professional mountain guides and porters, rescue fees, and transfers to and from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

When is the best time to hike Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route?

The best months are January–March and June–October, when weather conditions are most stable with clearer skies and less rain.

Do I need prior climbing experience for this hike?

No technical climbing experience is required. However, good physical fitness and mental stamina are essential since you’ll be hiking long distances at high altitude.

What is the summit success rate for the Marangu Route?

The Marangu Route has a lower success rate compared to longer routes because it provides less time for acclimatization. Many climbers, however, succeed with good preparation and by hiking at a steady, manageable pace.