Marangu Route: A 5-Day Journey to Kilimanjaro's Summit

TOUR OVERVIEW

Is known as the “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it lower budget option). It is also the only route offering accommodation on the mountain, in the huts in each station.
It is unfortunately a well-known fact, that the 5 days Marangu route 4 Nights on the Mountain has one of the lowest summit success rates of all the routes on the mountain. If you choose Marangu route, we strongly recommend hiking for 6 days, to increase your chance to reach the summit successfully as more time on the mountain it allow a great chance for better acclimatization. This is the only route, which provide comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight station.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: 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 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 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.

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DAY 3 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.

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DAY 4 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.

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DAY 5 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 Moshi.