5 - 6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular and oldest routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is unique for its hut accommodations, providing trekkers with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, which is different from the camping required on other routes
Scenery
The route offers diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts
Difficulty
Moderate, with a gradual ascent that helps with acclimatization
Accommodations
Huts at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo provide shelter and basic amenities
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,879m/6,000ft) to Mandara Huts (2,720m/8,900ft)
Distance: 8km / 5 Miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 841m / 2775ft
Max. altitude: 2720m / 8976ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
This morning you will travel to the Marangu gate where you will register, before beginning your trek through lush undisturbed forest. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys! The path gradually climbs to your camp, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Mandara Huts is a group of wooden huts in a forest clearing. Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks and solar lighting. Water is piped to the camp from springs above and there are flushing toilets. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. Alternatively simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. Overnight Mandara Huts
Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,720m/8,900ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Distance: 11km / 7 Miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 1000m / 3300ft
Max. altitude: 3720m / 12276ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
From Mandara the trail climbs steeply through a short stretch of forest, soon emerging into grassy moorland. On a clear day, you will catch your first glimpse of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged second peak Mawenzi. Climb steadily through the moorland zone, amongst giant heather. After 4 to 6 hours of walking you will reach the hut complex at Horombo where you will have hot washing water, dinner and overnight. Overnight Horombo Huts
Day 3: Acclimatisation Walk
Enjoy have a lie in, as you will be staying at Horombo Huts for a second night and do not need to pack! This will aid your acclimatisation and is therefore very important in preparation for your summit attempt. The day will be spent hiking towards the base of Mawenzi Peak, passing Zebra Rocks. The landscape feels more alpine here with a greater sense of peace than in other locations on this route. Trekking time is approximately 4 to 5 hours. Overnight Horombo Huts
Day 4: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,720m/15,400ft)
Distance: 9km / 6Miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 1000m / 3300ft
Max. altitude: 47200m / 15576ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert, heading towards the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The terrain is much more open here and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. You will arrive in camp for lunch, which will be followed by a summit briefing, giving you the afternoon to rest before your summit attempt. Evening of rest at Kibo Huts, depart for the summit in the early hours
Day 5: Kibo Huts (4,720m/15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Distance: 21km / 13Miles
Hiking time: 12 – 13 hours
Max. altitude: 5895m / 19454ft
Habitat: alpine Desert / Moorland
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For six to eight hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. Therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. From Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations, descend to Kibo Huts. Here you will eat, before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts which will seem surprisingly fast. The total time walking is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Overnight Horombo Huts
Day 6: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,879m/6,000ft)
Distance: 19km / 12Miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Descent: 1841m / 6075ft
Habitat: Moorland / Montane forest
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the rain forest. Watch your step, as the trail can be slippery. This trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to your accommodation.
Alternative Route: Marangu Route 5 Days/4 Nights
In order to increase your chances of reaching the summit at high altitudes, it is always advisable to take extra time on the mountain to acclimatise where possible. Of course, this needs to be balanced with budget and time available. If possible Above the Rim Tours advises their clients to take an extra day; however should clients really be pushed for time it is possible to climb the Marangu Route in 5 days and 4 nights.
- National park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Guides, cook & porter’s salaries
- Food; drinking water
- Camping equipment
- Accommodation
- Transport to/from park entry gate.
- Hiring of clothing, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, walking poles etc.
- Tipping to your mountain crew. The standard recommendation for this is USD$30-40 per day to the chief guide, $25-30 per day per assistant guide, $20-25 per day to the cook, $15-20 per day per helping porter (such as the toilet cleaner or
