6 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Marangu Route $1950
MARANGU ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Marangu route on Kilimanjaro, also known as the "coca cola route," is often considered an easy climb due to its comfortable walking path, gradual slope (until the final camp), and hut accommodation. However, the reality is that many trekkers fail to reach the summit. This route's reputation as an "easy" option can lead to unprepared trekkers who underestimate the challenges it presents. Several factors make the Marangu route a tough climb:
Unprepared Trekkers: Because many hikers perceive the Marangu route as easy, they often fail to adequately prepare for the climb. This lack of preparation can lead to difficulties on the mountain.
Insufficient Acclimatization: The minimum mandatory 5-day hike on this route does not allow for adequate acclimatization to the high altitudes. As a result, some trekkers suffer from altitude sickness. An extended 6-day version of the Marangu hike is recommended for better acclimatization.
Long Summit Days: The last day before the summit and the summit attempt are particularly challenging. Each involves ascending about 1000 meters of altitude difference. This leaves little time for trekkers to recover and acclimatize properly.
Steep Summit Path: The path to the summit becomes steeper as you near the top, adding to the physical demands of the climb.
Unpredictable Weather: Weather conditions can be unfavorable as you approach the summit, making the climb more challenging and potentially dangerous.
To increase your chances of successfully reaching the summit on the Marangu route, it's crucial to consider the following characteristics and recommendations:
Gradual Path: The route offers a relatively gradual ascent.
Hut Accommodation: Camping is not possible on the Marangu route; instead, trekkers stay in huts. However, these huts provide basic amenities, including a mattress, pillow, bunk bed, and a dining hall.
Popular Among Novice Hikers: The Marangu route is popular among hikers with less experience due to its perceived ease.
Duration: A minimum of 5 days is required for this route, with an additional day recommended for better acclimatization.
Cost: The Marangu route is slightly cheaper compared to other options, as you don't need to invest in camping equipment. You can also hire an extra porter for added assistance. It's one of the shortest hikes in terms of mandatory duration, requiring a minimum of 5 days.
Scenic Aspect: While the Marangu route offers unique experiences, it is considered less scenic than other routes because you ascend and descend via the same path.
Ultimately, the decision to choose the Marangu route should be based on your priorities. If budget is your primary concern and you're willing to overlook larger crowds and potentially less impressive scenery, the Marangu route may be the right choice for you. However, it's essential to be well-prepared, consider an extended itinerary for better acclimatization, and be aware of the route's challenges to maximize your chances of reaching Kilimanjaro's summit.
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 8.3KM /5MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame 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. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 12.5KM/7.8MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND
Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through 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.
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
DAY 4: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10.5KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m
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.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 6.25KM /3.9 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1181m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
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.
We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. 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, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
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. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
NCLUDED IN THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
EXCLUDED FROM THE TREKKING PACKAGE:
Gamow bag
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended 20%)
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation.
Tanzanian VISA
Medication
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
Personal gear including personal rain gear, trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
National/International flights
Additional nights if decent early from the mountain.