Marangu Route

Overview

The Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro ,Known as the "Coca-Cola" route. 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 sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Arrival - Moshi / Marangu Gate

  Upon early arrival to Moshi, breakfast and transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior. In the evening, dinner and overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2670 m)

• Day
  2

  Mandara / Horombo

  Breakfast and leave to continue through the heather to the edge of the short cropped moorland plains to Horombo Hut at 3,760m, from where Moshi township and the Pare ranges can be seen on a clear night. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. In the evening, dinner and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut

• Day
  3

  Horombo / Zebra Rocks / Horombo

  Breakfast and set off on a 2 to 4 hour trek to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. Relax and free time in the afternoon to regain your strength for the hike the following day. In the evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut

• Day
  4

  Horombo / Kibo

  Breakfast, cape to Kibo (about 5 to 6 hours to reach). This stage is long and tough and you will pass plantless plateau which links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi.

• Day
  5

  Kibo / Uhuru Peak / Horombo

  Early morning before Sun rise, start the journey when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) arrival in the afternoon. In the evening, dinner and overnight at Horombo lodge.

• Day
  6

  Horombo / Marangu Gate / Moshi - End of the Trip

  The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,860 m). After your arrival at Kilimanjaro National Park transfer back to Moshi town