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Marangu Route
Marangu Route – 6 Days (Extra Acclimatization Day)
- Wildlife safari
- Day Trip
- Trekking
From - $ 1800
Overview
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular and well-established paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodations, providing more comfort compared to camping. Despite its reputation as an “easier” route, the rapid ascent profile poses challenges due to the risk of altitude sickness.
Route Specifications
Total Distance: 70 km (43 miles) round trip
Duration: 6 days (including an acclimatization day)
Starting Point: Marangu Gate (1,870m / 6,135ft)
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)
Accommodation: Mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts)
Route Highlights
Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 2,700m / 8,858ft
- Habitat: Rainforest
Experience:
- Hike through lush rainforests with a chance to spot blue and colobus monkeys
- Visit Maundi Crater for panoramic views
- Overnight stay in shared huts with basic facilities
Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720m / 12,205ft
- Habitat: Moorland
Experience:
- Spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
- Spend an extra day for acclimatization
- Access to shared sleeping huts, dining areas, and water supply
Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m / 15,419ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Experience:
- The final stop before the summit push
- Stark, moon-like landscapes
- Basic shelter with bunk beds and communal dining area
Gilman’s Point
- Elevation: 5,681m / 18,638ft
Experience:
- One of the three official summit points
- Breathtaking sunrise views over the glaciers
Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341ft
Experience:
- The highest point in Africa!
- Unmatched panoramic views of the glaciers and landscapes below
Acclimatization Day (Highly Recommended)
Proper acclimatization is key to reducing altitude sickness and increasing summit success rates.
Acclimatization Activity:
- Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut
Optional hikes:
- Zebra Rocks (4,000m / 13,123ft)
- Mawenzi Hut (4,300m / 14,108ft)
- Return to Horombo Hut for overnight stay
General Tips
- Pace Yourself:Walk slowly and steadily (“pole pole” in Swahili) to adapt to altitude
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
- Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet for energy
- Listen to Your Body: Watch for symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness) and notify your guide immediately
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FULL 6-DAY DETAILED ITINERARY
01
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
- Elevation: 1,870m → 2,700m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Experience:
- Registration at Marangu Gate before starting the trek
- Hike through lush rainforests with opportunities to see blue monkeys
- Overnight stay at Mandara Hut
02
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
- Elevation: 2,700m → 3,720m
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Experience:
- Transition from rainforest to open moorland
- Stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks
- Overnight stay at Horombo Hut
03
DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT HOROMBO HUT
- Activity: Hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Hut, then return to Horombo Hut for overnight
04
DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
- Elevation: 3,720m → 4,700m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Experience:
- Trek across The Saddle, a barren stretch between Kibo and Mawenzi
- Overnight stay at Kibo Hut
05
DAY 5: KIBO HUT → UHURU PEAK → HOROMBO HUT
- Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m
- Distance: 22 km / 14 miles
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Experience:
- Midnight summit push, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise
- Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight stay
06
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
- Elevation: 3,720m → 1,870m
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland & Rainforest
Experience:
- Final descent through lush rainforest
- Receive summit certificates at Marangu Gate
Preparation & Logistics
Physical Preparation
- Cardio Training: Running, cycling, and swimming to improve endurance
- Strength Training: Focus on leg muscles with squats, lunges, and step-ups
- Hiking Practice: Train with a loaded backpack on varied terrains
- Meals: Picnic lunch in the park (or at designated picnic areas)
Essential Gear
- Clothing:
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops & bottoms
- Insulation: Fleece or down jacket
- Outer Shell: Waterproof and windproof jacket & pants
- Footwear: Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Accessories: Warm hat, gloves, sunglasses with UV protection, and a headlamp
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F)
- Backpack: 25-35L daypack for essentials
- Trekking Poles: To reduce strain on joints
- Hydration System: 3L+ water capacity (bottles or hydration bladder)
- Personal Items: Sunscreen, lip balm, personal medications, first aid kit
Permits & Fees
- Climbing Permits: Required and arranged by your tour operator (includes park, rescue, and hut fees)
Guides & Porters
- Guides: Mandatory for all Kilimanjaro climbs, ensuring safety and direction
- Porters: Carry gear, set up accommodations, and prepare meals
Guides
- Tour Leader: A professional, English-speaking guide with knowledge of the park’s wildlife, plants, and geology.
- Ranger: A trained park ranger will accompany you during the walking safari, providing in-depth insights into the natural environment.
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Best Time to Climb
- April – May: Heavy rains make trails slippery (not recommended)
- November: Less intense rain but still wet
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Private transport (airport/hotel to Kilimanjaro and back)
- Park fees & climbing permits
- Huts accommodations
- Professional guide & porters
- Meals & private cook (special diets available upon request)
- Rescue fees
- Certificate of achievement
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodations before/after the climb
- Personal items (gear, snacks, etc.)
- Tips for guides & porters
- Travel insurance
Customization Options
Want to personalize your experience? Choose from:
- Birdwatching Tour - Spend more time in the park’s birding hotspots for avid birdwatchers
- Photography Tour - Upgrade for professional photography to capture the beauty of the park
- Private Walking Safari - Opt for a more immersive, private walking safari experience with a dedicated ranger
- Private Climbs - Organize a solo or private group trek
- Extended Acclimatization - Additional days for better altitude adaptation
- Luxury Upgrades - Private toilet tents, upgraded meals, and premium sleeping arrangements
- Photography & Videography Packages - Capture your journey professionally
- Safari & Zanzibar Extension - Add an unforgettable wildlife safari or beach relaxation to your adventure
Why Book This Tour?
- Variety of Wildlife: Arusha National Park offers an amazing mix of game drive and walking safari opportunities
- Scenic Beauty: The park’s landscapes, from the Ngurdoto Crater to the Momella Lakes, offer some of Tanzania’s most stunning vistas
- Family-Friendly: This tour is great for families, as the walking safari is not physically demanding, and children can learn a lot about nature
- Expert Local Guides - Our team consists of highly experienced and certified Kilimanjaro guides dedicated to your safety and success
- Comfortable Accommodations - Stay in huts with beds instead of tents, making your trek more enjoyable
- Delicious & Nutritious Meals - Our chefs prepare fresh, high-energy meals to keep you fueled
- Safety First - We conduct daily health checks, provide oxygen support, and use emergency evacuation plans if needed
- 95%+ Summit Success Rate - Our experienced guides and acclimatization strategies maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak
- Responsible Tourism - We ensure fair treatment of porters and guides, follow Leave No Trace principles, and support local communities
Recent News
Recent News
