5 days Marangu route - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )


5 days Marangu route: Africa Natural Tours (For Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar) Tanzania safari company in Moshi

Specialized in:  Wildlife safaris, Mountain climbing, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays in East Africa

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5 days Marangu route

Also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route. Marangu route is most favored because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. There are 60 bunk beds each at 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. Also available for consumption are soft drinks, bottled water, and beer (not included in price hereunder).


DAY 0: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met at the airport and be transferred to the Hotel in Moshi at Kilimanjaro Crain for overnight


Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. 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

Meals: LD


Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude. Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft Distance: 12km/7.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath land Meals: BLD


Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

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

Meals: BLD



Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 encampment. 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

 Meals: BLD


Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

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). A vehicle will be waiting for 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

Habitat: Forest

Meals: B

Standard package Included:


  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport. (private)
  • Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
  • Filtered water throughout the trek
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at the hotel in Moshi at Kilimanjaro Crain which include bed & breakfast.

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry Services
  • A doctor for the group
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)


For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com

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