This route is one of the scenic and easy routes for those tourists climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Marangu climbing route starts from Marangu village at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Marangu route is also known as “Coca-cola route” due to its easy, beautiful scenery and its land escarpment. Those people climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through Marangu route feel more comfortable than all other climbers using other climbing Mount Kilimanjaro routes because Marangu route provides accommodation in huts. Although being one of the less breathtaking routes (still incredible), Marangu route is one of the best routes in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. There is no technical climb when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route. Marangu route starts from Marangu gate to Mandara hut and proceeds to Horombo hut, Kibo hut, Gilman’s point as well as Uhuru Peak which is the highest point in Africa at 5895 m. Marangu is also treated as both the ascending and descending route for itself and Rongai route following the same trend as ascending. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using Marangu route can be done for minimum of 5 days Kilimanjaro climb and considered the less expensive route on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day climb, greatly increasing your chances of success. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu route offers not only relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route but also mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Ahhhhh, spoilt.
DAY 1. Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,700 masl) – Mandara Hut (2,740 masl)
Your first day of the hike to Kilimanjaro National Park through Marangu route will begin early in the morning at 7:30 am after breakfast. Genius Expedition Safaris team will be drive you for 2 – 3 hours to Marangu Gate. Your hiking adventure will commence soon after completing all the necessary registrations at the gate. After about 3 hours of hiking your will have your packed lunch at Kisambioni. After lunch you will proceed with your hike for a further 2 hours to Mandara Hut passing through the dense rain forest. On arrival at Mandara Hut you will rest before visiting Maundi Crater. The view of Kibo peak is amazing from here.You will then return to Mandara Hut where you will be accommodated for the night. Genius Expedition Safaris team will be serve you with dinner and thereafter retire for the night.
Day 2 Mandara Hut (2,740 masl) – Horombo Hut (3,700 masl)
On day 2 Genius Expedition Safaris team will serve you with breakfast prepared by our chief Chef. After breakfast you will depart from Mandara Hut heading out of the rainforest into heather moorland. Our destination is Horombo Hut. The hike to Horombo Hut will take about 5 to 6 hours including time for lunch. During your ascent you will spot spectacular plants such as giant lobelia and the giant groundsel. At Horombo Hut you will relax and later in the evening you will be served with dinner then retire for the night.
Day 3 Horombo Hut (3,700 masl) – Kibo Hut (4,700 masl)
On day 3 you will proceed with hiking for 6 hours after breakfast. Our destination today is Kibo Hut. We will traverse the “saddle,” the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. After lunch and relaxation, Genius Expedition Safaris team will serve you with dinner early in the evening to allow adequate rest before attempting the summit the same night. Genius Expedition Safaris guides will brief you in detail on how to prepare for the summit night. You will spend the night at the Kibo Hut.
Day 4 Kibo Hut (4700 masl) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 masl) – Horombo Hut (3,700 masl)
At around midnight the team will wake you up with a warm cup of tea and biscuits to get you ready for your final ascent. Your headlamps, and the moonlight at times, will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point at 5,730 metres above sea level, reaching the crater rim in about 5 to 7 hours. Another 1 to 2 hours will take you to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the sunrise at the top of the roof of Africa. After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film you will start the descent along the same route back to Horombo Hut where our team will be waiting for you with some snacks and refreshments. You will have your dinner at Horombo Hut and spend the night.
Day 5. Horombo Hut (3,700 masl) – Marangu Gate (1,700 masl) – Arusha.
On day 5 the team will serve you breakfast after which you will have a traditional farewell ceremony hosted by the team. You will thereafter start your descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate taking about 6 to 7 hours. On arrival at Marangu gate you will be signed out and awarded a golden certificate for summiting Uhuru Peak. You will then proceed to Arusha for your overnight stay.
Included:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional English/French/Spanish guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- All Camping equipment
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- National park fees
- Transfer charges
- Airport pick up and drop off
Excluded:
- International flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
