6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
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Overview
The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well established route.
This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping.
Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required.
It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu as five or six day, the five day variation
does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
Included/Exclude
Tour Plan
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha or Moshi town for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before
beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At
the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then
widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We
may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that
make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi
Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a
few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.
Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an
early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the
most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this
elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while
taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with
the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally,
we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we
descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and
a well-earned sleep.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at
the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will
meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi town.
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