Referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu trek is a renowned journey on Mount Kilimanjaro, known for being the most established and traditional route. The Marangu route is highly preferred by many due to its reputation as the least challenging path on the mountain, thanks to its gentle incline. The Marangu route stands as the inaugural climbing path on Kilimanjaro and is also where the park's headquarters are situated. This route has a long-standing reputation and distinguishes itself as the sole trail offering dormitory-style huts instead of traditional camping accommodations. These A-frame style huts are equipped with sleeping arrangements ranging from 8 to 20 beds per room, ensuring a potentially cozy night's rest, albeit with the possibility of noise depending on the number of occupants in your hut.
DAY 01
After breakfast and briefing, we drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 02
As you bid farewell to the lush rainforest, your journey continues along an ascending trail that leads you onto the expansive moorlands, ultimately arriving at the Horombo encampment. Along this route, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of both Mawenzi and the majestic Kibo summit. Keep an eye out for the impressive giant lobelias and elegant grounsels that grace the landscape, adding to the scenic beauty.
It's important to note that as you gain altitude, you may start to experience the effects of the thinner air and reduced oxygen levels, commonly associated with high altitudes. This is a natural part of acclimatization, and it's essential to pay attention to your body's signals and follow your guide's advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 2700m /8875ft to 3700m / 12,200ft
Distance: 12km / 7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 03
Continuing our ascent, we reach the final watering point, marking our entry onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro nestled between the iconic peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Here, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The once lush vegetation gives way to a desolate and otherworldly terrain resembling a "moonscape."
After arriving at this surreal plateau, we'll have dinner to refuel and rest up, conserving our energy for the impending summit climb. It's a crucial moment to prepare both physically and mentally for the challenging journey to the roof of Africa.
Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 4700m / 15,500ft
Distance: 9km / 5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 04
In the wee hours of the morning, precisely around midnight, our summit attempt begins. We set out to conquer the challenging ascent, which takes us along steep and demanding scree slopes, and in some sections, we may encounter snow. Our destination is Gilman's Point, perched on the rim of the crater.
As dawn breaks, we press onward, now ascending to the grand pinnacle of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. At every turn, the vistas that greet us are nothing short of extraordinary, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe. Don't forget to capture this remarkable moment with a photograph at the summit, a memento to share with friends and family, showcasing your incredible achievement.
Following our triumphant summit experience, we begin our descent, with a pause at Kibo for a well-deserved lunch and a much-needed rest. Re-energized, we continue our journey, heading back to the Horombo encampment, where we'll spend the night. This descent not only allows us to gradually acclimate to lower altitudes but also offers a chance to reflect on the incredible journey we've undertaken on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft to 5895m / 19,340ft
Down to 3700m / 12,200ft
Distance: 6km / 4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km / 9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 05
Following a hearty breakfast, we embark on a gradual descent, beginning our trek down through the moorland terrain, eventually reaching the Mandara Hut. Our journey continues with a descent through a verdant forest path, leading us towards the Marangu National Park gate.
As we descend to lower elevations, it's important to be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions, especially in the forested areas. To navigate such terrain with ease, gaiters and trekking poles are recommended, providing stability and protection. At this point in the descent, the weather is likely to be milder, so you can comfortably switch to shorts and t-shirts for your attire. However, it's wise to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing readily accessible, just in case of any unexpected weather changes.
Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 1700m / 5500ft
Distance: 20km / 12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
