Marangu route
The only route with huts accommodation
This route provides a gradual slope and referred by many as easy. Comparing Marangu route and Machame route results in the names Coca Cola route and Whiskey route. Marangu route is nicknamed Coca Cola route (sweet for easy) while the Machame route is called Whiskey route (bitter for the difficulty).
Highlights of Marangu route
Sleep in Huts
The main feature of the route is the huts accommodation which come with beds and toilets.
Minimum trekking days
You can do it in 5 days. However, we recommend you do it in 6 days to allow your body to acclimatize well.
Same route, up and down
The trails you take on your way up will be used on your way down.
Most popular
Because it is considered the easiest and it is the cheapest route on the mountain hence many people choose this route.
Why Trek with Kili Quests
Your success on climbing Kilimanjaro largely depend on your mental strength and physical stamina. Equally important is the crew that will take you there. That’s why you need to choose Kili Quests:
- We've experience of over 25 years
- Our guides are medically trained
- Attention to details and you have ability to customize your trek
What You Get
Your trek package includes the following:
- Wages of all mountain crew members
- Tents, foam mattress, tables and chairs
- All park fees, meals, rescue fee and bottled oxygen
- Oximeter, airport transfers and transport to and from Kilimanjaro gates.
- Pre and post climb accommodation (Two nights total)
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.
- This is a 6 days Itinerary. The 5 itinerary days is the same with the exception that on day 3 you will skip acclimatization activities and go straight to Kibo Hut.
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.
Inquire Marangu route trek
Our Marangu treks start at $1800 per person. Inquire for a quote below.
