6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route
There are six routes to climb Kilimanjaro: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame and Umbwe routes all start on the south side of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes start from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north, closer to Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is more popular because it can be completed in less time and has permanent huts at campsites.
It starts at Kibo Hut and leads up to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. This is a short route that tends to have a low summit success rate due to the steepness of the ascent and the short acclimatisation time. This is the only route where the ascent and descent are shared.
Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4-star B&B for your overnight stay. Your guide will meet you for a briefing, equipment check and to hire any necessary equipment.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandala Hut: 8.3 km / 5 miles | 4-5 hours | Rainforest
Elevation: 1905 m / 6,250 ft to 2723 m / 8934 ft
Elevation gain: 818 metres
An hour’s drive from Moshi will take you through the village of Marangu and to the gates of Kilimanjaro National Park. Wait for your permit to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of the crew preparing for the trip. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails as your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna and wildlife. At lower altitudes, the trails can be muddy and quite slippery, so foot protection and trekking poles are highly recommended.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 12.5KM/7.8MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND
Elevation 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Ascent: 998 metres
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue hiking through the meadows, looking for giant lobelia and groundsel. We continue up into the grassland, where small bushes are the main vegetation. Stop for lunch along the way and enjoy the incredible views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Horombo Hut under the spectacular viewpoint of Kibo Summit. The temperature starts to drop.
Day 3: Horombo Lodge
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut: 10.5 km/6 miles | 6-8 hours | semi-desert
Elevation 3,721m/12,208ft to 4,714m/15,466ft
Ascent: 993 metres
After breakfast, you enter the vast grasslands connecting Mawenzi and Kibo, and continue across barren grasslands that blend into the lunar landscape. At lunch here, and later as you cross this huge saddle, you will get a preview of the climb to the top of Kibo, which will begin in a few hours.
Day 5: Kibo Hut – Peak: 6.25 km/3.9 miles (5-7 hours) – Horombo Hut: 15.75 km/9 miles downhill 5-6 hours | glacier, snow-capped peaks
Elevation 4714m/15 466ft to 5895m/19 341ft
Ascent: 1181 metres
Descent: 3,721m/12,208ft
Loss of height: 2 774 metres
Early in the morning, between midnight and 2am, the excitement is at its peak as the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb begins.
We make our way to the top on a switchback trail to maintain body temperature and focus on the incredible sense of achievement that lies ahead. The path-like trail takes us through deep snow and rocks to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Here you will experience one of the most spectacular sunrises you will ever see. Faster hikers can even see the sunrise from the top. From here, you will probably continue to encounter snow for the next hour towards Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, one step at a time!
After taking photos, celebrating and crying tears of joy, you take a moment to savour this incredible achievement. You now begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping in Barafu for lunch and a short break. We strongly recommend that you bring gaiters and hiking poles to cope with the gravelly terrain and volcanic ash. Now a well-earned rest awaits before enjoying your last night on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Horombo Lodge – Marangu Gate – Moshi: 20 km/12.5 miles | 6-7 hours | Rainforest
Altitude difference: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250 feet
Loss of altitude: 1816 metres
Gilman’s Point
After breakfast and the team appreciation and team bonding ceremony, it’s time to say goodbye. We stop at Mandala Hut for lunch and then continue our descent. Don’t forget to tip your guide, cook and porter. Return to Marangu Park gate to collect your climbing certificate. We recommend bringing gaiters and trekking poles as the terrain is wet, muddy and steep as the weather quickly warms up. From the gate, a vehicle will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes). Enjoy a hot shower, dinner and a long-awaited celebration!!!
Overnight at the 4-star Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel B&B. Before getting a transfer for the return journey, you can go on safari or take a leisurely drive to Zanzibar
Pricing
SOLOTREK $1300 per person
GROUPTREK $1200 per person
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IncludedPorteragePark fees(For non-residents) $60All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade) $50All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)Roundtrip airport transferDrinking water(On all days)Rescue fee $20All activities(Unless labeled as optional)A professional driver/guideAll Taxes/VAT 18%Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
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Not IncludedClimbing gearAdditional accommodation before and at the end of the tourPersonal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)International flights(From/to home)Tips(Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
