The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents.
Itinerary
Day 1; Marangu Gate to Mandara HutWe depart Moshi 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.
Day 2; Mandara Hut to Horombo HutWe 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 Mount Kilimanjaro
Day 3; Horombo Hut to Mawenzi RidgeThis 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.
Day 4; Horombo Hut to Kibo HutWe 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.
Day 5; Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo HutVery 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.
Day 6; Horombo Hut to Marangu GateOn 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 Moshi for hot shower.
Inclusion
– Private Transport to & From Kilimanjaro International Airport to Your Accommodations in Moshi
– 2 Nights of Accommodation in Moshi
– Transportation to & From the Kilimanjaro Gate
– Park Entry Fees
– Camping Fees
– Team Kilimanjaro Rescue Fees
– 18% Vat on Tour Fees & Services
– 4 Season Mountain Tents
– Double Layered Sleeping Mats
– 3 Hot Meals Daily While on the Mountain
– Enough Treated & Filtered Drinking Water Throughout the Trek
– Hot Water for Washing
– Fair Wages for the Mountain Crew as Approved by the Kilimanjaro National -Park Authority (Kinapa), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (Kiato)
– Government Taxes
– Portable Oxygen Tanks & Ox Meter
– Emergency First-aid Kit
Exclusions
– Lunches, Dinners and Drinks at Your Hotel Before and After Climb.
– Travel Insurance
– Portable Flush Toilet With a Toilet Tent is Available for Extra Charges $ 70 for the Entire Trek.
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at Hotel)
– Personal Items and Toiletries
– Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook (This is a Guide to Tipping on the Mountain)
TIPPING POLICY
– Guide $17 – $20/guide/day
– Cook $12 – $15/day
– Porters $8 – $10/porter/day
