Kilimanjaro Climbing Trough Marangu Route 6 Day
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Duration: 6 Days Climbing
Category: Trekking
Trekking Route: Marangu
Attraction: World tallest free-standing mountain at 5895M asl, The three peaks (Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo), The Snow, Five distinct climate zones. Cultivation, Forest, Heather-Moorland, Alpine Desert and Summit climate zones
Tour Guides Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian,
Start in: Arusha
End in: Arusha
Packing list: Camera set with enough zoom etc.
Extra info: Provide Porters and Cookers to accompany you while on the mountain.
The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, a120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillow nd s, 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.
Many favor Marangu because it is 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 southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.
Ultimate Kilimanjaro® offers Marangu as five or six day private climb. The five day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the trek. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
· Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
· Distance: 8km/5mi
· Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
· Habitat: Montane Forest
· Meals: LD
· Budget Lodging: Mandara Hut
Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
· Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
· Distance: 12km/7.5mi
· Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
· Habitat: Heathland
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
· Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo 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 heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
· Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
· Distance: 9km/5.5mi
· Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
· Habitat: Alpine Desert
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 VIEWSat 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 Huts.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
· Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
· Down to 3700m/12,200ft
· Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
· Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
· Habitat: Alpine Desert
· Meals: BLD
· Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through 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).
Vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your HOTEL IN Moshi (about 1 hour).
· Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
· Distance: 20km/12.5mi
· Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
· Habitat: Forest
· Meals: B
PRICE INCLUDES
· 2 nights Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
· Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
· All Park fees
· Rescue fees
· All meals while on the Mountain
· Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
· Huts
· Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
· Clean, purified drinking water:
· Crisis management and safety procedures:
· Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
PRICE EXCLUDES
· Tanzania Visa: $50/$100 per person on arrival
· Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
· Meals not listed above
· Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
· Tips and any items of personal nature.
· Private portable toilet (available for $70)
· Oxygen Cylinder ( $100)
· First Aid Kit ($50)
