5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE-MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING

OVERVIEW

The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences.

The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rain-forest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.

You can choose to complete this route in either five days or six days.

THE PROGRAM

On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a member of our staff will be at holding a Biko Adventures Tours placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi. 

DAY 01

Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (8,875 ft)

• Today’s Stats
  
• Hiking Time:4-5 hours
• Total Distance:7 km
• Starting Altitude: 1830m (6,000ft)
• Final Altitude: 2740m (9,000ft)
• Environment: Montane (rain) Forest

This morning we drive through Kilimanjaro’s semi-tropical foothills to Marangu Gate, where you enter Kilimanjaro National Park and start your climb.

Today’s trek takes 4-5 hours through a tropical rain-forest to reach Mandara Hut. 

DAY 02

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (12,201 ft)

• Today’s Status
  
• Hiking Time:5-6 hours
• Total Distance:11 km
• Starting Altitude: 2700m (9,000ft)
• Final Altitude:3700m (12,141ft)
• Environment: Mooreland

Your second day on the mountain starts with a fairly steep climb through the last of the rainforest up to alpine meadows dotted with giant heather. Further on, the environment changes to open heath with stunted vegetation before opening out to bleak moorland.

Today you will gain approximately 1,000m in altitude, so walk slowly in order to acclimatize properly. It is normally a 6-7-hour hike to reach Horombo Hut. 

DAY 03

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (15,463 ft)

• Today’s Status
  
• Hiking Time:6-7 hours
• Total Distance:10 km
• Starting Altitude: 3700m (12,141ft)
• Final Altitude: 4695m (15,400ft)
• Environment: Semi Desert

The terrain now becomes progressively more rocky and rugged and giant groundsels and lobelias make their appearance. The trail skirts Mawenzi Peak, before crossing a stark, almost lunar landscape and the tundra desert of ‘the saddle”. 

DAY 04

Kibo Hut – SUMMIT (19,340 ft) – Horombo Hut (12,201 ft)

• Today’s Status
  
• Hiking Time:11-15 hours
• Total Distance:18.5 km
• Starting Altitude:4695m (15,000ft) – Uhuru Peak 5895m(19,340ft)
• Descend Final Altitude:3700m (12140ft)
• Environment: Alpine Desert

Soon after midnight, you will be awakened by your guides to start the zigzag trek up a long scree slope. After roughly two hours you should reach Hans Meyer’s Cave and from here the gradient gets steeper. Continue your climb for approximately another 3 hours to Gilman’s Point and you will be rewarded by the dramatic sight of the rising sun reflecting off the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi.

 DAY 05

Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate

• Today’s Status
  
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Total Distance: 18 km
• Starting Altitude: 3700m (12,140ft)
• Final Altitude:1830 (6000ft)
• Environment: Rain Forest

After a leisurely breakfast, make your final descent across the alpine meadow, past Mandara Hut and on down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, Post celebrations, we are taken by either a private bus or Jeep to our hotel in Moshi/Arusha. You can now depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions or Zanzibar that we can help you plan and prepare a good quote for you.

For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.

INCLUDES – 5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE-MT KILIMANJARO TREKKING