Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu 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 though the Rombo hut – Kilimanjaro climb Machame route to be the easiest path on the mountain, due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory-style accommodation. There are 60 bunk beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Refreshments such as soft drinks, bottled water, and beer can be bought at the huts.
The Kilimanjaro National Park Headquarters is housed at Marangu Gate. It is about 41km from Moshi and 86km from Kilimanjaro airport.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the trek. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. 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
• Distance: 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. 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
• Distance: 12km/7.5mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Heathland
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Kilimanjaro marangu route Tanzania 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 heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
• Distance: 9km/5.5mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 Huts.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
• Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
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).
Tanzania Joy Tours vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Distance: 20km/12.5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
PRICE INCLUSIVES
PRICE EXCLUSIVES
