Marangu route – 6 days – MamboTanzaniaTours | Uncover Tanzania’s hidden beauty

Overview

Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the less expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

Day 0Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 2hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation

1860m/6100ft to
2700m/8875ft

Distance

8km/5mi

Hiking

3 – 4 hours

Habitat

Montane Forest

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 2Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 affects of the altitude.

Elevation

2700m/8875ft to
3700m/12,200ft

Distance

12km/7.5mi

Hiking

5 – 6 hours

Habitat

Heathland

Meals

Breakfast,

Lunch & Dinner

Day 3Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation

3700m/12,200ft

Distance

0km/0mi

Hiking

0 hours

Habitat

Heathland

Meals

Breakfast,

Lunch & Dinner

Day 4Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation

3700m/12,200ft to
4700m/15,500ft

Distance

9km/5.5mi

Hiking

5 – 6 hours

Habitat

Alpine Desert

Meals

Breakfast,

Lunch & Dinner

Day 5Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation

4700m/15,500ft to
5895m/19,340ft

Descending to

3700m/12,200ft

Distance

6km/4mi up &
15km/9mi down

Hiking

6-8 hours

Habitat

Alpine Desert

Meals

Breakfast,

Lunch & Dinner

Day 6Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.

Elevation

3700m/12,200ft to
1700m/5500ft

Distance

20km/12.5mi

Hiking

4 – 5 hours

Habitat

Forest

Meals

Breakfast

Deposit policy

• Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.

• Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
• A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
• Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.

Balance Payment

• Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.

• Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
• Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
• A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
• Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).

Cancellation Policy

8 days and above departure
• No cancellation fees.

0 to 7 days before departure
• 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
• The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.

Supplements

• Off-season supplement = USD 90 

Charged for solo trekkers to start a new departure in the month of March, April, May and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if others trekkers also join your new group.

Discounts

• Children between 5 years and 15 years old 

Code: 5TO15 – USD 350 per person

• Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania 

Code: RESTAN – USD 210 per person

• East African Citizens 

Code: EAC – USD 820 per person

Private trek itinerary prices

People

Group

Standard

package

$1851

Person

$1721

Person

$1699

Person

$1678

Person

$1661

Person

$1658

Person

$1656

Person

$1654

Person

$1645

Person

10+

$1641

Person

All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
VAT (18% charged by the Government)

All meals while on the Mountain
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

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