5 Days Marangu Route Trek
5 Days Marangu Route Trek - An Adventure of A Lifetime
Climb Kilimanjaro in 5-Days via Marangu Route – Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route on the mountain. The Marangu route is the shortest one to the magnificent Kilimanjaro and also the most popular. There are huts along the way, making accommodation more comfortable than staying at tents, which is necessary for all other routes.
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We will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and driven to the mt. Kilimanjaro Marangu gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your waiting lounge registering with the Kilimajaro National Park (KINAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Mandara Huts in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight.
Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Climbers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).
Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
Your guide will wake you up around 11:30pm for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The Park requires all climbers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha or Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
End of 5 Days Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route
Climb Kilimanjaro costs
Includes the following:
- Kilimanjaro park fees
- Professional experienced mountain guides, cook and porters
- Rescue fees
- All accommodation in huts on the mountain
- All meals while on the mountain
- Guides, porters, cook park fees
- Clean and purified drinking water
- Transfers from Arusha or Moshi to Kilimanjaro National Park and back as described in the itinerary
Excludes the following:
- Flights
- Optional activities
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Travel insurance
- Tips to mountain Crews
- Personal gears like sleeping bags, Hiking poles etc.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc
