Overview
The Marangu Route is also referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain. It is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. Many favor Marangu due to its gradual slope and direct path. In this route, treks begin and ending at the Marangu gate, which is located in the south-east area of Kilimanjaro. The Marangu route accommodation is in mountain huts, which makes the biggest difference compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Highlights
Start/End : Moshi - Kilimanjaro Trek
Duration : 5 Days, 4 Nights
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good Traffic: High Safari
Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Morning drive from your hotel in Moshi takes us through Marangu village, which is one hour away. After signing in at the Marangu gate, you will be provided with packed lunch boxes and water, after which we’ll begin the 4 – 5 hour walk to Mandara Hut. The walk will be slow, and it’ll take you through a dense and humid forest, and you will have the lunch along the way. Dinner will be served at Mandara Hut, and you’ll spend the night here as well.
Elevation 1800meters to 2720meters
Distance: 7km
Hiking Time:4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Lunch boxes and water will be provided after breakfast, before you begin your trek to Horombo Hut. After about 45 minutes in the forest, we’ll arrive to the area of long grass and stunning view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As our trek continues, the terrain will transform into moorland. The lunch break will be at the picnic site, and our trail ends at Horombo hut, where dinner will be served before you turn in for the night.
Elevation 2720 meters to 3720 meters
Distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Heather and Moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The hike to Kibo Hut follows after breakfast, and you will be supplied with lunch boxes and water before we leave. Our hike continues across the desolate alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ that divides Kibo and Mawenzi. This is where we’ll pass the last water point, and the porter will carry for us supply of water required for food, hot drinks and drinking. Dinner will be served at Kibo Hut where you will spend the night.
Elevation 3720 meters to 4700 meters
Distance: 11.5km
Hiking Time:6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will wake up at around 11:30 P.M. for a hot cup of tea or coffee, and then get ready for your hike to the summit which will begin at around 12:30 P.M. The temperature at around this time is below freezing. The trail you will take twists upwards through heavy scree towards the Gilman’s point. Once we reach Gilman’s point, hot cup of tea or coffee will be served to warm you up, accompanied by breathtaking view of the sunrise over Mawenzi. The hike to Uhuru peak continues for another 1.5 hours, over a gentle slope around the edge of the crater rim. Uhuru peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photograph your success, before we begin the steep hike back to Kibo hut for lunch and some rest. Our descend continues to Horombo Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest.
Elevation 4700 meters to 5895 meters to 3720 meters
Distance: 20km
Hiking Time:13 – 14 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast and the last celebration with the porters, you will trek down to Marangu gate. Once here, you will have a hot lunch. Vehicle will meet you at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi where you can shower and rest.
Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters Distance: 10km
Hiking Time:6-7 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert