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 to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers overnights in dormitory-style huts. The minimum days required for this route is only five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is not high. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended. However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu Route. The route has the least scenic variety since it is the only route where the descent follows the asme trail as the ascent. This makes the camps more crowded route. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season (April - May, November, early December) where the hut accommodations adds more comfort.
Marangu Route Itinerary
Duration: 5 nights/6 days Climb
Arrival Day
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will see our driver waiting for you just outside the secured customs area - with a Kilifortune Expeditions sign with your name on it. From there you will be drive to your hotel in Moshi. After allowing some time to settle in, there will be a climb briefing with your guide. Here all questions will be answered. There will also be an equipment check. If you are lacking any items, they can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you have a nightime arrival, these things can be done early the next morning.
Day 1: Mandara Huts
After breakfast at your hotel, we drive to
Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, on the southeastern side of the mountain. After we finish registration procedures, we start our trek. The first leg of this route takes you
through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the
eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a
colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for their black or white fur! Make sure you have
the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet,
muddy soil.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8KM
Overnight Altitude: 2,720M
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts
To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive
stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you
can appreciate the jaggedness of Mawenzi Peak that ascend up towards the skies of
Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at
these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with
your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the
Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo Peak before
dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11KM
Overnight Altitude: 3,720M
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3: Acclimatization Day
You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to
the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing
any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel
well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and
admire the incredible views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Keep a steady pace and you walk the
route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the
remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 metres. We return to Horombo Huts for overnight rest.
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts
This day you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To
begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched,
desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge
and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years
past. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.
Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water your plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a well rested body. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s most ultimate challenge!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Distance: 9KM
Overnight Altitude: 4,720M
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts
As you awake around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike. Many hikers consider the difficult terrain, scattered with loose rocks, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. There will be a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to experience the glorious view. Afterward, you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru – this is the last part of the ascent and features a steady incline.
Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to the Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895 metres, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the astounding view and get pictures in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
Hiking: 6 Hours
Distance: 6KM
Overnight Altitude: 5,895M
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Hotel
As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate. At the gate you will have lunch and our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi where you will say farewell to your mountain crew the relax, recover, and celebrate at your hotel.
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Distance: 19KM
Overnight Altitude: 1,879M
Habitat: Rainforest
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel in included in your climb package. If you have booked a safari we will leave after breakfast. Otherwise our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) at any time necessary for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10am. If you have a flight leaving later in the day, we can try to arrange a late checkout or a day room (there would be an extra charge for a dayroom).