5 Days – Marangu Route
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Climbing
5 Days – Marangu Route Overview
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 does not mean it is easier than any other route. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.This tour is ideal for those who are up for a Kilimanjaro adventure!
| Solo | 2 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1550 | $1400 | $1380 | $1300 |
itinerary
Day 1
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Take a short drive from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut]
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut]
Day 3
Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut - Summit
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]
Day 4
Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 12 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point]
Day 5
Horombo Hut – Park Gate
After breakfast, we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the Park gate to your hotel.
The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. [5-6 hours walking)
Price Includes
– Park fees & rescue fees
– Accommodation in huts
– 18% VAT on tour fees & services
-Transportation to & from the mountain gate
– Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
– 3 meals daily while on the mountain and
Filtered water throughout the trek
– Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Price Excludes
– Hotel in Town before and after the Trekk
– Flights
– Travel insurance
– Visa and passport fees
– Tips to mountain crew
– Items of a personal nature
– Laundry Services
– A doctor for the group
– Alcoholic beverages
– Anything not mentioned above
NB: Tipping Guideline
$ 15 – 20 for a guide per group per day
$ 12 – 15 for Cook per group per day
$ 10 – 15 per Porter per group per day
