6 DAYS MARANGU
THE OVERVIEW
The Marangu route is the oldest of Kilimanjaro, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations as alternative to camping. This route is popular known as the “Coca Cola route” 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.
Maranguis considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south-east. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because we ascend and descend are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.
Wildmasters travel offers Marangu as five or six day private climb. The five day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at HoromboHut, We just climb direct.
A glimpse of Machame route in photos
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THE ITINERARY
A NOTE ON THE FLEXIBILITY OF THIS ITINERARY
- Please note that our itineraries are flexible and we customize them according to your needs.
- Airport pick up and drop off are optional, meaning if you are already in Moshi or Arusha or you can arrange your own airport transfers, we can take them out of the price for this tour.
- Pre and post trek accommodations are optional.
We depart Moshi town toMarangu Gate for the necessary procedures before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut -Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles – Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The day start and continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the popular volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut – Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles – Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique scenery offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge -Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles -Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to HoromboHut -Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles -Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
In the morning we climb slowly, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Arriving here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut – Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles -Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our thrust to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point of the Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. People will enjoy their accomplishment by taking photos etc.
After spending a few moments taking on the roof of Africa enjoying your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak -Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles -Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut -Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles -Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. After attainment at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we will be awarded and collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Horombo Hut to MaranguGate -Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles -Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
That will be the end of our Climb.
PRICING
Contact us directly so that our travel consultants can provide you with the best quote.
Below are our standard price includes and excludes. These may change depending on how you want to customize your tour.
Tour price Includes:
- Government taxes
- Bottled drinking water.
- English speaking guide
- Full board accommodation
- All park fees and emergency evacuation insurance
- 4×4 jeep with pop-up roof for 360 degrees game viewing
Tour price excludes:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Airport transfers
- Pre/post accommodation
- Items of personal nature (e.g. cameras, visa, and travel insurance)
GET A QUOTE
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