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Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Price

$1,140.00

Duration

5 days

Max People

15

Min Age

15+

Tour Overview

This Marangu Route is also referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route” because it is the most popular of all the routes. And because the route is the only one offering sleeping huts with beverages like Coca-Cola along the way, it is considered tourist-friendly.

Marangu is the easiest of all the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro where the ascending is very much gradual and steady. This is much less painful and challenging as compared to the other routes. But as per the stats, only about 35% of the people reach the top, primarily because they are ill-prepared.

The trekking journey commences at the southeast area of the mountain near the Marangu Gate. It takes a minimum of five days to complete, however, six days is recommended and is deemed more practical. There are living structures all along the way with a dining hall and bunk beds all equipped with mattresses and pillows which are known as sleeping huts. Descend will be down the same path which sometimes makes the Marangu route seem overcrowded. It is cheaper to climb as well because of its small distance between the gate and Moshi, thus making it a shorter route to cover.

Highlights:

  • Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
  • Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
  • Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
  • Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
  • Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
  • Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler's needs
  • Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
  • Season: All year round
  • Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
  • Pros: One of the shorter routes, this may be an option for those on a tight time frame and/or budget. With accommodation in huts it can also be a good option during rainy season.
  • Cons: Trek goes ascends and descends via the same path and approaches the summit from the steeper route via
Departures everyday

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro international airport (JRO), where you will meet an Go Ahead Trip representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essential for a comfortable stay : cozy rooms , hot water , a swimming pool and internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Day 2 Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.

  • Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi,
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours,

Day 3 Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

  • Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 12km/7.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heathland
  • Meals: BLD

Day 4 Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
  • Distance: 9km/5.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Day 5 Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable.Once at the summit, you can take pictures which you will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. Lunch on route The climb will begin in way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layer of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey and a strong will power and an optimistic attitude is required to complete it!

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Down to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Day 6 Hike Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) And Drive to Moshi

Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: B

Day 7 Departure

Rest in the hotel before the transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Pricing Includes

  • Two way private airport transfers
  • All park fees collected by the National Park
  • Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • All meals on the hike
  • All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete Expedition medical kits
  • Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
  • Government taxes
  • Crew salaries
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet

Pricing Excludes

  • Personal Climbing gears
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Mountaineering Insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

FAQs

What about solar protection?

Tanzania is very near to the equator. So the sun is always at its acme for most of the day. The sun can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, shades, and use SPF sunblock lotion

I would like to book but I have group is large group, is this a problem?

We aim to keep the size of the public groups to a minimum, as we feel that a group that is much larger than ten trekkers is cumbersome and trekkers lose the sense that they are in a wilderness if there are too many people. That said, if you are a single, private group, then there is no problem accommodating you whatever the size of the group, as, of course, you will be aware before arriving in Tanzania of the number of people you will be trekking with.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.

Are there charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.

Do we tip the hiking crew?

Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.

What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?

You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese, and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken, and meat. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available as well.

How long is the hike?

There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.

What kind of experience do I need?

None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

How high is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.

Where is Kilimanjaro?

The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.

Do You Offer Private & Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro?

Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take

What travel documents do I need?

You will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.

Do you arrange airport pick up & Drop off?

Yes, we do arrange this. Please send your request to Safari.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.

What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?

Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.

What kind of food will I eat?

Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!

Will I see wildlife?

Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.

How many hours will I trek each day?

On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.

Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs

An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb , usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania

Do You Offer Private and Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro

Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.

Other Tour Details

Tour Pricing

Number of People Cost Per Person in US($) Classic Package Cost Per Person in US($) Premium Package
1 Person $1,320 $1,995
2 People $1,200 $1,750
3 People $1,190 $1,730
4 People $1,180 $1,700
5 People $1,170 $1,680
6 People $1,160 $1,660
7 People $1,158 $1,640
8 People $1,150 $1,620
9 People $1,145 $1,600
10 People + $1,140 $1,580

Tour Accommodations

Classic Package Premium Package
2 nights Accommodations at your own choice of hotel according to your budget 2 nights Accommodations on BB at either of the following Panama Garden resort or Ameg Lodge

Tour Map

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    We are a well-established business, founded in 2016 by Daniel Mlangwa (Managing Director) who worked as a tour guide before founding the company.

    We are locally owned and based in Tanzania and Kenya.

    We also operate our own fleet of vehicles and employ our own drivers and guides which makes our prices competitive as it eliminates commission to third parties.

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    Moshi Kilimanjaro Tanzania.

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