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Mt. Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route (6 Hiking Days)
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- Mt. Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route
The worthwhile, unique views
The Marangu route is the oldest and most well-established
route on Mt Kilimanjaro. It is also known as the
“Coca-Cola” route because it is the most popular route and
offers permanent huts instead of sleeping tents.
The trek begins in the southeast area of the mountain at
Marangu gate, and the hike takes six days. Marangu is the
easiest route, as the ascension profile is steady and
gradual. The descent is on the same path to Marangu Gate,
which is close to Moshi.
Marangu is less scenic than other routes because it
confines climbers to one side of the mountain. However,
the most significant benefit is that it has hut
accommodation which is warm and comfortable.
itinerary
Day 1 : Marangu Gate(1860m)-Mandara Hut(2715m):
Departing from Moshi, a 1-hour drive will take us through the
Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails. The
guide will explain the local flora, fauna, and natural
wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy
and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking
poles.
Distance:8.3 km
Duration:5 hrs
Elevation gain: 1750 m
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2: Mandara Hut-Horombo Hut:
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge
from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path through
the heathland, looking at giant lobelias and groundsels.
Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the
main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch and enjoy amazing
views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon
beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures
may begin to drop.
Distance:15 km
Duration:8 hrs
Elevation gain: 990 m
Habitat: Moorland
Day 3-Altitude Acclimatization: Horombo hut- Zebra
rock-Horombo hut:
After breakfast, we will hike to the Zebra Rocks, named after
the rock formation's distinctive black and white stripes. This
section will allow your body to adjust to altitude change and
increase your chances of summiting. We will return on the same
trail, back to Horombo Hut for lunch. The afternoon is free to
explore before dinner.
Distance:6 km
Duration:3 hrs
Elevation gain: 400 m
Habitat: Moorland, Heath Zone
Day 4: Horombo Huts-Kibo Hut:
After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland
that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle
connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, we stop for lunch and,
later on, cross the surprisingly large saddle; ou can examine
the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a
few hours.
Distance:10.5 km
Duration:8 hrs
Elevation gain: 1025 m
Habitat:Semi-Desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Horombo Hut (3705m):
Summit day. We arise at midnight, have coffee and snacks, and
start the slow trek to the summit via Gilman’s Point. We hope
to summit Uhuru Peak, Roof of Africa, in the morning, have a
few hugs and photos, have a short break, and then descend to
Kibo Hut for breakfast. From there, we will continue to
Horombo Hut for the last night.
Distance:22 km
Duration:13 hrs
Elevation gain: 1165 m
Habitat: Arctic
Day 6: Horombo Hut- Marangu gate-Moshi:
After breakfast, we continue the descent, stopping at the
Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks,
and porters since you will be leaving them here. We will
descend to the Marangu Park Gate and receive our summit
certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the
terrain is wet, muddy, and steep. We highly recommend Gaiters
and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to
drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes).
Distance:20 km
Duration:7 hrs
Elevation lost: 2755 m
Habitat: Rainforest