Kilimanjaro Conquest
MARANGU ROUTE
7 DAYS / 6 nights
KILIMANJARO CLIMB ITINERARY
The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has wooden huts provided for hikers which offers additional comfort. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
The Marangu route can be completed in 5 days; however, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatise at Horombo Hut.
Advantages:
- Oldest and extremely popular (known as the Coca Cola route)
- The only route that has comfortable wooden huts for accommodation (instead of tents) - Most affordable price
Day 1
Transfer from Arusha or KIA (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for Marangu, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight in or near Moshi.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will be met by your head guide. Drive to the Marangu gate. After registration, begin trekking through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path gradually climbs to your camp at Mandara Huts, a trek taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Mandara Huts is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting.
Elevation Gain: Marangu Gate (1,830m / 6,000ft) to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,900ft)
Day 3
From Mandara Hut 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, containing giant heather and occasional groundsel which can reach heights of up to 5 metres. After around 4 to 6 hours walking today you will reach the hut complex at Horombo where you will have hot washing water, dinner and overnight.
Elevation Gain: Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,900ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft)
Day 4
Acclimatisation day. This extra day and night will aid your acclimatisation and is therefore very important in preparation for your summit attempt. The day will be spent hiking towards the seldom visited base of Mawenzi Peak, passing Zebra Rocks en route. The landscape feels more alpine here and there is a greater sense of peacefulness than in other locations on this route. Trekking time approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Day 5
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 giving you the afternoon to rest before your summit attempt just after midnight.
Elevation Gain: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700m / 15,400ft)
Day 6
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight / headlamp. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman's Point. After summit celebrations you will descend to Kibo Hut for a meal before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro's cloud forest. You will receive your certificates at the Gate and have a chance to tip your porters / guides and bid farewell. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to Moshi / Arusha.
Elevation Loss: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830m / 6,000ft)
