6 Days Marangu Route climbing - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

6 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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6 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 Kilimanjaro Crain Hotel in Moshi for overnight.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2m.

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Horombo Hut

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi.

Approx. time taken: 9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Horombo Hut

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi.

Approx. time taken: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Kibo Huts

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi.

Approx. time taken: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Uhuru Peak

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi.

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Marangu Gate

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 7: Depart Tanzania

Horombo Huts

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

Meals: Breakfast Included

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