5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek

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5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek

5 Days 4 Nights
Arusha
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English

Overview

Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola Route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline to the summit from the Kibo base camp. This is the only route where the ascent and descent routes are shared, thus creating more traffic. Duration: 5 or 6 days Difficulty: Medium Scenery: Good Traffic: High.

Places You’ll See :

The highest peak in Africa, offering breathtaking views and challenging trekking opportunities.

1Mount Kilimanjaro

Schedule Details

Day 1 Marangu Gate - Mandara Huts

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Moshi. A 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. You will wait for your permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. You will enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. 7k /mi | 4-5 hrs. | Rainforest Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut
  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 2 Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. You will continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. You will stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. You will arrive at the Horombo Huts later in the afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop at this point.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 3 Horombo Huts - Kibo Huts

After breakfast, you will continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while you stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit, and climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours. 10km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi Desert Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Kibo Hut
  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 4 Kibo Huts - Summit - Horombo Huts

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2:00 am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. You will continue your way to the summit in a switchback formation trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, you will ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow toward Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time. You have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy you will take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. You will begin your steep descent down to Horombo huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch and a very brief rest.

Main Destination:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
  • Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro
Day 5 Horombo Huts- Marangu Gates - Moshi

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. You will continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You will return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). You will enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!

F.A.Q

When is the best time to Trek Mountain Kilimanjaro

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which is from December to mid-March and from late June to October. The most favorable months are January, February, July, August, September, and October. 
 
 
Here are some things to consider when planning your climb:
  • Weather
    The weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for all scenarios. It's possible to experience dry weather during the rainy season, and heavy rain during the dry season. 
     
     
  • Crowds
    January and February are the most popular months to climb, but they're less busy than the major climbing season from June to September. 
     
     
  • Full moon
    Some climbers prefer to summit during a full moon because the moonlight makes it easier to see. 
     
     
  • Nighttime
    Some studies suggest that climbing at night increases the chances of reaching the summit. 

Activities

  • Mountain trekking

Why Book With Us?

  • One-Stop Convenience – when it comes to planning an African safari, we’ll take care of everything except your international flights.

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