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Marangu Route

6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
marangu route
OVERVIEW

Also humorously referred to as the ‘Coca Cola” or “tourist” route, it is the easiest and shortest route to reach to the summit. This is the only of the seven routes where there is sleeping huts at every camp site with solar powered lightings and beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

There are 60 and 120 beds at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and Horombo Hut respectively. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Separate lavatories for both Mens’ and ladies’ are available at last camp site, albeit very basic.

Climbing groups usually from several countries around the world gather in the dining huts and share mean which creates an friendly and jovial atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).

This route usually takes 5 days, but 6 days is recommended for better acclimatization. This extra day can be reserved for resting at Horombo or climbing small peaks of Mawenzi.

6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE


After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. Take a side trip to the Maundi Crater where you’ll get a good overlooking view of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. The rainforests are occupied mainly by Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

  • 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m
  • 7 km
  • 4-5 hours
  • Montane Forest
  • Meals: LD
  • Budget Lodging: Mandara Hut

You leave the glades of the rain forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

  • 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
  • 11 km
  • 6-8 hours
  • Heathland
  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak

  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

  • 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
  • 10 km
  • 6-8 hours
  • Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Then moving on, ascend to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak along the way of which you’ll get unbelievable views. Picture every moment which you can later show to your family and friends. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.

The climb will start before sunrise which will ask for headlamps and flashlights. It’ll be freezing and you’ll be covered with warm layer of clothes. This is undeniably the most demanding part of the trek which involves many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” with an optimistic attitude will get you to the top

  • 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m
  • 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
  • 4 km up / 14 km down
  • 10-15 hours
  • Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

  • 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
  • 18km
  • 5-7 hours
  • Meals: B

  • Airport transfer with private shuttle
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees including park entry, camping and rescue fees
  • Group round-trip transportation from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Marangu gate
  • Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides for all routes
  • Salaries for Kilimanjaro support staff
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Hut camping, foam sleeping pad, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
  • Ox meters
  • Two Nights at hotel before and after trekking

  • Tips for guides and support staff
  • Sleeping bag and personal items
  • Private portable toilet and privacy tent
  • Airport transfers
  • Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

Success is what we want during our trip. We are prepared for any urgent situation and also have in place a complete evacuation procedure in case of altitude sickness. We carry first aid supplies, supplement summit oxygen and Pulse Ox meters).

To climb Kilimanjaro don’t forget to pack

  • Powdered drink mix to make the water taste acceptable
  • Mittens rather than gloves if you are prone to having cold hands in the winter
  • Chemical hand and foot warmers in case you have to spend time at Kibo waiting for the rest of your group to come back
  • Sunscreen and sun hat
  • Headlamps rather than flashlights
  • Plenty of layers for the final ascent since even though it starts our freezing, you get pretty hot once the sun comes out
  • Tons of hand wipes and tissues
  • A small quick-drying towel
  • A comfortable day pack
  • For climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, warm jacket, good socks and sturdy boots
  • Binocular, Camera, and long lasting Batteries
  • Foam sleeping pads

  • Oxygen: $100/group
  • Hyperbaric Pressure Bags: $200/group
  • Portable toilets and toilet tent: $200/group

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION


ADDRESS:

16265, Arusha, Tanzania

PHONE:

+ 255 684 884 201

EMAIL:

info@taiadventures.com

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