Kilimanjaro marangu 5 days trekking

Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. It’s the only route where you’re going to find sleeping huts at every other campsite which are equipped with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal in nature, and bunks have sponge mattresses and pillows. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. The lower two huts have bathrooms and running water facility. The last camp also has both mens’ and ladies’ lavatories, but are very basic in nature. All climbing groups residing within the huts share their meal in the dining huts which makes for a jovial and energetic atmosphere. All climbing groups, often from several countries share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatisation. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. If you choose to take a side trip to the Maundi Crater, you’ll be able to have a good view of the surrounding areas far into Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, you can search for the numerous towering Eucalyptus trees where the colobus monkeys are most likely to be found and variety of bird life.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: LD

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 m); 3-5 hours walking.

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 Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Meals: BLD

Day 3: Hike Horombo 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 Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: BLD

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down 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. We’ll then ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in the continent of Africa. You can expect unbelievable view of the surrounding at every turn. The pictures taken up here will act like souvenirs for your family and friends back home. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be freezing cold, so have all of your warm clothes on. This is by far the most difficult section of the entire trekking journey with many switchbacks. By advancing slowly and with an optimistic mindset, you’re destined to get there!

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

Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: BLD

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha

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. GBoth gaiters and trekking poles will come handy on numerous occasion. At this level, shorts and t-shirts and more than enough to wear, however it is advised to bring rain gear and warmer clothes along.A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to you Arusha (about 1 hour).

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

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: B