6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route
Overview
Tour Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Accommodation
Tour map
FAQ
Overview
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular and frequently used routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is the only route that offers climbers the option of sleeping in huts with amenities such as running water, flush toilets, and electricity. The Marangu Route is a great option for those who are looking for a more comfortable climb, as it is the easiest and shortest route up the mountain, taking around five days to complete.
Tour Summary
Start: Arusha, Tanzania
End: Arusha, Tanzania
Destinations: Mount Kilimanjaro
Activity: Hiking
Physical level: Medium
Max group size: Any size
Itinerary
Day 1 Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by ours driver who will transfer you Arusha for accommodation at Planet lodge on full board basis. While you’re at the lodge our mountain climbing professional guide will hold a briefing meeting to you to ensure that he orients you to what you should anticipate during your summit to Kilimanjaro (The roof of Africa).
Day 2 Arusha – Marangu gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
This day you will start your life dream to climb to the roof of Africa. Wake up early morning for hot shower, and breakfast. After breakfast our driver will pick you from the lodge and drive to Marangu Gate. A journey to Marangu gate will lift you to the altitude of 1860m above the sea level. At Marangu gate you will be registered by the government officer from Tanzania National park authorities. After comply with all paper work you start your trekking through a dense rainforest of Marangu, heading to Mandara Hut at an altitude of 2,700 m above the sea level.
A trekking to Mandara Hut might take you an average of 4+ Hours. On the way you will have an opportunity to see various animal species including black and white colobus monkey, attractive birds and many more. You will have hot lunch and later dinner at Mandara, and spend a night at this historic hut.
Day 3 Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Wake up very early in the morning; get ready for an early breakfast which will set you ready for the trekking ahead. After breakfast you leave Mandara Hut heading to the direction of Horombo Hut. On the way to Horombo Hut you will notice the vegetation changes to shrubs. It will take you an average of 4 to 6 hours to reach your day destination. Looking back your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. A day mission will be complete, you will have time to stretch your legs and rest at Horombo Hut, while receiving instructions on following day ascending mission. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 4 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit. This 2 to 4 hours trekking offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. A hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. You will spend another night at Horombo Hut on full board basis.
Day 5 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This ascending journey will take you about 5 to 6 hours to be at Kibo. You will spend a night here; have an early dinner and early sleeping ready for earliest morning summit the following day.
Day 6 Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlights leading the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. Keep on ascending for aproximately 1 to 2 hours you will make it to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the sun. After a photo opportunity you will descend along the same path to Kibo Hut and this is much faster.
On arrival at Kibo Hut, you will be welcomed by smiling chefs who have prepared hot lunch for you. After hot lunch you will have an average 2 hours rest, before you continue to descend to Horombo Hut, for dinner and overnight on full board basis.
Day 7 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha
This is another exiting day. A day filled with full memory of Uhuru peak image in mind. You have to descend an approximation of 2000m down the mountain though you may accelerate fast. The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you descend and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. After lunch the journey to Marangu park gate continue while watching on the way to see anything new. When you arrive at the gate, you will have a moment to celebrate a bit and say goodbye to your mountain crew. Our driver will be there standby to transfer to Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha where you will enjoy a hot shower, dinner and overnight while celebrating your success in reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 8 Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be taken for short Arusha town tour and maybe to African gift shops and see what you can buy and take back home. Later you will take early hot lunch, and then drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport or you can opt to extend your stay in Tanzania with a wildlife safari or beach holiday.
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Mountain guide
- Mountain crew (Chefs & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
- Portable toilet and toilet tent
- All mountain climbing gears,
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All National park fees and taxes.
- All mentioned transfers
Price Excludes
- Sleeping bag
- International Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Gifts
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in case of emergency on the mountain?
In the event of an emergency during the Kilimanjaro climb, the mountain rescue services in Tanzania are not comparable to those found in the European Alps. If you cannot walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher, which is an unpleasant experience. It is important to only push yourself as far as your body allows to prevent emergencies. Helicopters are not often deployed due to altitude limitations. It is recommended to have adequate health insurance coverage for medical expenses, including rescue and repatriation costs.
Is tipping required for the mountain crew?
Tipping the mountain crew is a common practice, and gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income, so they are highly appreciated. Recommended tipping amounts per group, not per person, are provided by the tour provider.
How can I cope with altitude sickness during the climb?
Almost everyone climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by altitude sickness in some way. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. It is essential to replace lost body fluids by drinking enough water and taking magnesium to prevent muscle cramps. Mild symptoms allow continuing the hike, but severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and can be life-threatening. It is vital to bear in mind that a medical descent may be required.
What meals will be provided during the climb?
Meals are included in the itinerary. For breakfast, there is a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Lunch is provided in a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, etc. Dinner consists of soup and bread followed by meat or poultry with starch (i.e., chips, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice) and vegetables, topped off with dessert in the form of fresh fruit, hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, and milk. Special dietary requirements or food allergies can be catered with advanced notification.
How big is the group?
This is a private tour, and there won’t be any other climbers joining the group. The group will only consist of the people who chose to travel together and their mountain crew.
Is there an age limitation for this climb?
Yes, there is an age limitation for this climb. Climbers must be at least 18 years old to participate. This is to ensure that climbers have the necessary physical and mental maturity to undertake the climb safely and responsibly.
Can I bring my own climbing gear?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own climbing gear. However, it must meet our safety requirements and pass a safety inspection before use. If you are unsure whether your gear meets our safety standards, we recommend renting equipment from our facility.
Do I need prior climbing experience?
Prior climbing experience is not required, but it is recommended. Our climb is designed to be accessible to climbers of all skill levels, but it can be physically demanding. We recommend that you are in good physical shape and have some familiarity with climbing techniques.
Is there a weight limit for climbers?
Yes, there is a weight limit for climbers. Climbers must weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to participate. This is to ensure that our safety equipment can support your weight and that you can physically handle the demands of the climb.
What happens in case of inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, we may need to postpone or cancel the climb for safety reasons. We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible if this occurs and work with you to reschedule your climb for a later date.