6 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Marangu Route, Kilimanjaro

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Duration

6 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

15 people

Languages

English

Overview

Marangu Route, popularly called “Coca-Cola Route”, is the most renowned route to trek Kilimanjaro. Marangu is the only route that provides sleeping in huts, all the way to Uhuru Peak, contrary to all other routes where you get to sleep in tents/sleeping bags. The route is very steady, with gradual slopes, but it is far from easy. It has a very low success rate, because trackers tend to not take it seriously, due to its reputation to be “Tourists Route”.

You do not need camping gear while trekking Marangu, but by all means you need to be physically prepared for the climb, otherwise there is a good chance for dropping out before reaching the top.

The route is offered at 5 or 6 days, but note that on shorter plan you do not have a day for acclimatization, which is usually necessary to accommodate high altitude conditions. Descend is at Marangu gate.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

After breakfast and briefing, you will be collected and taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After some paperwork at the gate, the porters will load the gear and your trek can begin. Soon you will find yourself in the misty forest – trees, ferns, flowers and birds abound. You might also see blue monkeys or the white-tailed black and white colobus monkeys. You will reach Mandara Hut after about four hours. After resting a while, you can walk to the Maundi Crater from where you will have views towards Kenya. Supper in the dining hall of Mandara Hut. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)

After an early breakfast you set off and soon you will be out of the forest. Continuing into a section of shrubs and grass – the moorland zone where you will stop for lunch on the way. Continue for a couple of hours to reach the bustling Horombo Huts at 3700m. The huts have great views over the farms and plains below. You might start to experience the altitude: headaches, nausea. Drink a lot of water, eat well and rest. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Zebra Rocks (4020m) – Horombo Hut (3700m)

Up and down. Today will help your body to adapt to the altitude. This section will improve your chance of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you will hike to the Zebra Rocks (4020m) named after distinctive black and white stripes of the rock formation. Returning on the same path, you will be back at Horombo in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore. Overnight again at Horombo Hut. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s section is long and uphill. The scenery changes into a moon landscape, barren and rocky as you cross the ‘Saddle.’ The piece of mountain was formed when the volcano erupted. The resulted lava flow now links Kilimanjaro’s two peaks – summit Kibo and Mawenzi. If you experience headaches and nausea, these are symptoms of altitude sickness. Help your body cope by drinking water and walking slowly. You should reach Kibo Hut after about five to six hours. Supper will be served early so you can get to bed. Try to rest as you will need to be up and walking again by midnight. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Summit Attempt - Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m

Today is summit day. You start out at night when the volcanic ash is still frozen and walking is easier. The mountain guide will wake you up and after some tea and snacks you will begin the slow trek to the summit. You will stop briefly at Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. Continuing ‘pole pole’ you should reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater’s rim by sunrise. As you feel the warm rays of the sun, you will continue for an hour or more up to the peak. Standing here on Uhuru Peak at 5895m you are now on the ‘Roof of Africa’, the highest point on the continent. After a few photos and hugs, you will turn back. The descent is fast and dusty as the lava ash will now have thawed. After a few hours you will stop at Kibo Hut for snack and a rest. From there you will continue down to Horombo Hut (3700m) arriving in the afternoon. Eat well to replace lost energy and have good rest. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Marangu

The final leg of your Kilimanjaro trek passes along the same path that you ascended on – through the heather, red-hot pokers and shrubs of the moorland vegetation zone. You will stop for a cooked lunch at Mandara Hut (2700m).Soon, you will descend into the humid and green forest where you might spot the extravagant tails of the colobus monkeys. After a total time of six hours hiking, you should reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Transfer back to Stella Maris Lodge where a hot shower and fresh clothes, cold beers are waiting. Breakfast.