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 huts provided for hikers. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier compared to the Machame route. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatisation period.
The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route into a 6-day trek, greatly increasing your chances of success. Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. The main itinerary difference between the Marangu 5 day and 6 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut.
DAY 1 : Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport
You will be picked up at and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town, thereafter our experienced Mountain guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Then you will spend overnight in your hotel for dinner and breakfast.
DAY 2: Marangu Gate (1860 m) to Mandara Hut (2720 m)
• Distance : 8 km
• Hiking time : 4-5 hrs
• Altitude gained : 850 m
• Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast you will be picked up at hotel around 8:00 am then drive to Marangu Gate. After registration formalities this is the point for your 5 hour hike to Mandara Hut in which you cover 9 km. In the dense rainforest you will have the chance to see some primates such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys as you head to the Mandara Hut.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Mandara huts
DAY 3: Mandara Hut (2720 m) to Horombo Hut (3720 m)
• Distance : 11 km
• Hiking time : 5-6 hrs
• Altitude gained : 1000 m
• Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we will start our trek that will take us to Horombo Hut. Approximately 4-6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an attitude of 3720 m. From the Hut you will have fantastic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
DAY 4: Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Kibo Hut (4700 m)
• Distance covered: 9.4 km
• Hiking time : 4-5 hrs
• Altitude gained : 1000 m
• Habitat: alpine desert
As usual after breakfast we will start another beautiful day. The first part of the days hike through the dwindling health land that behind into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. After lunch and cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will start in just few hours. Therefore you will have an early dinner then long rest before summit.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Kibo huts
DAY 5: Kibo hut (4700 m) to UHURU PEAK (589 m) and down to Horombo Hut (3720 m)
• Distance : 6 km Ascent / 15 km Descent
• Hiking time : 6-7 hrs up/ 5-6 hrs down
• Altitude gained/Lost : 1175 m/ 2175 m
• Habitat : Summit/ Moorland zone
This is the day you have been waiting for, you are nervous but excited. Wake up at 11:30 Pm to start the summit. It will take you about 4-5 hours to reach at Gilmans Pat 5681 m above sea level the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. Then after a further hike of 1 hour and 30 minutes you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, spend some time taking photos and watching the African sunrises form the horizon afterwards decent to Kibo Hut having a warm lunch and short rest for 1-2 hour. Then going back to Horombo Hut to spend your last overnight on Kilimanjaro.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Accommodation : Horombo huts
DAY 6: Horombo Hut (3700 m) to Marangu Gate (1870 m)
• Distance : 20 km
• Hiking time : 5-6 hrs
• Altitude lost : 1850 m
• Habitat : Moorland/ Montane rainforest
Wake up as usual, descent through the moorland to the Mandara Huts where you will have a short break before continue going down through the Montane rainforest to the Marangu park gate, there you will collect your certificates and have hot lunch and after hot lunch our vehicle will be there ready to take you to the hotel in Arusha / Moshi town where it’s definitely time for hot shower and celebration
Meals : Breakfast and Lunch included
Accommodation : Hotel in Moshi / Arusha town
DAY 7: Depart Tanzania/ other destination in Tanzania.
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home bound flight. Also Snow Peak Adventure and Safari can organize an affordable Safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
END OF YOUR TOUR
KARIBU TANZANIA
1PAX | 2 – 4PAX | 5 – 7 PAX | 8 & Above |
$ 1630 | $ 1450 | $ 1390 | $ 1300 |
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