Marangu Route 8 Days Hike
Trekking Features
Trip Overview
The Marangu Route, widely known as the ‘Coca-Cola Route’, holds the distinction of being the oldest and one of the most frequented paths for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. First established in the late 19th century, this route gained historical significance when Hans Meyer, a German geographer, successfully reached the summit for the first time in 1889. This landmark ascent not only marked a pivotal moment in mountaineering history but also catalyzed an increasing interest in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, particularly via the Marangu Route.
One of the key features that contribute to the Marangu Route’s popularity is its relatively straightforward trek. Unlike other routes that often require users to camp in tents, the Marangu Route offers hut accommodations, providing climbers a higher level of comfort and convenience during their journey. The well-maintained trails and the presence of shelters make it accessible and safe for a wide range of climbers, from novices to seasoned adventurers. The route typically takes five to six days to complete, which allows climbers to acclimatize gradually to the altitude, minimizing the risks associated with high-altitude climbing.
What the price Include
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, huts, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
What the price Exclude Exclude
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Snacks on the mountain
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
Detailed Itinerary
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Tanzania Wildcats Safaris representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Accomodation:Â Hotel
After breakfast we will collect you from your hotel for your transfer to Marangu Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent on a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest, covered with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found. We will spend our first night at Mandara Hut, a group of wooden A-framed huts set in a forest clearing.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Hiking time:Â 3Â -Â 4Â hours
- Ascent:Â 720Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 2700Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hut
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater emerging into the transition zone from rain forest to moorland. After about 6 hours we arrive at Horombo Hut.
- Hiking time:Â 6Â -Â 7Â hours
- Ascent:Â 1020Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 3720Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hut
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for good acclimatisation. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down) is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatisation.
- Hiking time:Â 4Â -Â 5Â hours
- Ascent:Â 300Â m
- Descent:Â 300Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 4020Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hut
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We continue our ascent into the Alpine desert zone passing the last place where water is available at 4130m. From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. We will make our summit ascent tonight so we will go to go to bed early to get as much rest as possible.
- Hiking time:Â 5Â -Â 6Â hours
- Ascent:Â 980Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 4700Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hut
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We will wake up around 23:30 hours, and after some tea and biscuits we shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gilman's Point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
From Gilman's Point we will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long we will be able to spend taking photographs before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest we gather all the gear we left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo Hut, a further 3 hours. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Hiking time:Â 12Â -Â 14Â hours
- Ascent:Â 1195Â m
- Descent:Â 2175Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 5895Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hut
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your final day on the trek, departing after breakfast we descend a further 1740m to Marangu Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. Transfer to your hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Hiking time:Â 6Â -Â 7Â hours
- Descent:Â 1740Â m
- Max. altitude:Â 3720Â m
- Accomodation:Â Hotel
- Meals included:Â Breakfast
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
- Transport:Â Private transfer
- Meals included:Â Breakfast
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