Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Highlights

6 Day / 5 Night fully guided hiking adventure
Tackle one of the Seven Summits and world’s greatest natural wonders
Pass through a green forest surrounded by a dry savannah
A transformational experience at the rooftop of Africa
Shared hut lodging route

Description

There are different routes to reach the top of the mountain and this time we are going to use the Marangu Route known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favour 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 (with dorm beds) for all nights of the trek.

IMPORTANT: Just because this is the the easiest route, that doesn't mean it is easy. This is still a very demanding mental and physical challenge.  

The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route. However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route because of the traffic.

Who This Experience Is Good For

This trek is for people who enjoy a physically and mentally challenging trek with a beautiful payoff. Everyone who can should climb this magical mountain at least once in their lives to get a taste of the iconic African experience. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro even if not to the summit, this is still an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life. The summit at 6,000 meters, and if you make it, you may party and take in the breathtaking views of Tanzania.

Meet Our Local Host

Knowledgable local guide

Itinerary

Marangu Route – 6 Days Itinerary.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

This will take place at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

• Elevation: 1860m/6100 ft to 2700m/8875ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch and Dinner

After early light breakfast at co working space and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 2700m/8875 ft to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance: 12km/7.5mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Heathland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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.

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance: 0km/0mi
• Hiking Time: 0 hours
• Habitat: Heathland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Rest Day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
• Distance: 9 km/5.5mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3700m/12,200ft
• Distance: 6 km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi

• Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Distance: 20km/12.5mi
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a 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 be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to Arusha.

What's Included

Private transfer from and to Arusha (RY co working space)
Hut or camping fees
All park fees
Salary for crew ( guide, porters and cook)
Rescue fees
Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner & mineral water), except on transfer days
Dorm beds (foam sleeping pads) in sleeping huts, 6 people per hut
Cooking equipment, eating utensils
Oxygen cylinder and Oxi-meter
All government tax (VAT)
Flying Doctors Service

What's Not Included

Tip for crew (Guide, Porter and Cook)
Extra personal needs and/or equipment
Toiletries
Extra snacks and protein bars needed for personal sustainability

Know Before You Go 

Minimum Needed: 4 people
Maximum Capacity: 12 people
Booking Deadline: 14 days before event
Weather Dependent: No, trek will happen rain or shine
Difficulty Level: Hard - You are climbing Africa's highest peak. We chose the simplest route possible. Come mentally prepared to make a big accomplishment.
Special Clothing Required: Yes, comfortable trekking
Special Dietary Restrictions: All dietary needs catered with advance notice
Extra Cash: Needed for tipping / donation / additional services - Recommended cash for tips per day per person on the tip – Guide $20, Chef $15, Porter $10
Accommodation: This is the only route that has sleeping huts (instead of tents). Each hut has 6 dorm beds.
Transportation: There will be all transfers included from Arusha to Mt Kilimanjaro and back to Arusha
Additional Information: Pack items that will make you more comfortable during your hike include: Bug spray, Sunscreen, Pain killers, Packed water and snacks are highly encouraged for trekking. Personal mountain equipment recommended and available for rent includes: Warm jacket, Warm trouser, camel baks, Rain trousers, Rain jacket, Long underwear, Thermal top long sleeve, Hiking boots, Warm socks, Head lamps, Waterproof gloves, Liner gloves, Fleece/sweater, Fleece trouser, Warm hat, Sun hat