Climbing Kilimanjaro
5 days—Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro via The Marangu Route: Your Path To Adventure and Triumph
$1490-1664 USD
pp
Safari summary
Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.
The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Aishi Machame Hotel. The ride there takes about 1.5 hours.
The Kilimanjaro "Coca-Cola" route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice, and will also will treat you to scenic African landscapes.
Being the most popular and the least expensive, the route may be crowded in July-September and December - March.
A 6-day option is strongly recommended over the 5-day one for better acclimatization.
Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, December | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 7KM
Kilimanjaro
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery.
Mandara Huts
MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 11KM
Kilimanjaro
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Horombo Huts
HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS
Kilimanjaro
10KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours. For 6 Days Trek You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo.
Kibo Huts
KIBO HUTS – UHURU SUMMIT
Kilimanjaro
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Horombo Huts
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes).
Moshi/Arusha
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