6-Day Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking Marangu Route
6-Day Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking Marangu Route
Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. It makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season. The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones – from tropical rain forest to eternal ice – will treat you to scenic African landscapes. A 6-day option is strongly recommended.
| Tanzania | |
| Start | Moshi (Day 1) |
| Day 1-5 | Mt Kilimanjaro (Mountain) |
| End | Moshi (Town) (Day 6) |
Arrival
Day 1
Hotel 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 rain-forest 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 rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Mountain)
- Accommodation:
- Mandara Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Mountain)
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Rest at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak. Enjoy your day. Have nice view of escarpments, Mawenzi peak, flora and fauna
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Mountain)
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4 of
6-Day Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking Marangu Route
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 heath-land 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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Mountain)
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Kibo 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
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Mountain)
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Horombo 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 in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast.
- Main Destination:
- Moshi (Town)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
End of