5-Day Kilimanjaro Hikking via Marangu Route
The Marangu, or “Coca-Cola,” route stands as Kilimanjaro’s most renowned path today. It’s the primary route featuring overnight stays in huts, making it a favorable choice for climbing during the rainy season. Beginning at the southeast of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the entry point, Marangu Gate, sits conveniently close to our base at Aishi Machame Hotel, reachable in about 90 minutes. This route boasts a well-trodden trail traversing through various ecological zonesโfrom tropical rainforest to perpetual iceโoffering stunning African vistas. Being the most popular and cost-effective, it tends to be crowded during July-September and December-March.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ | ๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฅ
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by a our representative. They’ll escort you to Weru Weru River Lodge (https://www.weruweruriverlodge.com/) or similar accommodation. The lodge offers all the comforts for a pleasant stay: cozy rooms, hot water, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing by our managers to ensure you’re prepared for the climb.
- ๐๐๐ & ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ Note: Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
DAY 1: TREKKING FROM MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel in the morning for a quick briefing. Then, you’ll travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will trek to Mandara Hut (2,700m). The trail passes through rainforest, so bring spare clothes and raincoats. Upon reaching the camp, the support crew will handle setup and lunch. You’ll spend the night in special huts along the Marangu route. It’s your first day at altitude, so follow instructions carefully.
- ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก; ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 1,860 m to 2,700 m
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: 5-7 hours ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 11 km
- ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: Medium ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: Rainforest
DAY 2: TREKKING FROM MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut for a moderate trek to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). En route, enjoy views of Kibo and Mawenzi volcanoes. After lunch, complete an acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut before returning to Horombo Hut for dinner. ๐๐จ๐ญ๐: Acclimatization hikes are crucial for summit success and altitude sickness prevention.
- ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ; ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก; ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ
- ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ก๐ข๐ค๐: ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) โ Destination point in route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m)
- ๐๐ข๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐: 2.5 km
- ๐๐ข๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐: 1โ2 hours
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: 5-6 hours
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 10 km
- ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: Medium
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: Moorland
DAY 3: TREKKING FROM HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
After breakfast, trek to Kibo Hut (4,700 m). It’s not a difficult trek, but maintain an appropriate pace for the summit push. After lunch, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and hydrate.
- ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ; ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก; ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 3,720 m to 4,700 m
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: 4-8 hours
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: 10 km
- ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: High
- ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: Alpine desert
DAY 4: TREKKING TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT
Depart Kibo Hut for the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). It’s physically moderate but altitude is a challenge. Each pair of climbers will have their own guide. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Kibo Camp, rest, then continue to Horombo Hut. ๐๐จ๐ญ๐: Most accidents occur during descent; pay attention to your feet. ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ; ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก; ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ ๐
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Lodging at Weru Weru River Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided during the trek.
- Transportation: Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the lodge.
- Trekking Support: Experienced guide and mountain support crew.
- Climbing Permits: Acquisition of necessary permits for Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary camping gear.
- Activities: Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut, Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, and summiting Uhuru Peak.
- Briefings: Orientation and briefing sessions conducted by tour managers.
- Safety Measures: Registration with search and rescue service, as well as guidance on altitude sickness prevention.
- Certificates: Commemorative certificates upon successful completion of the trek.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergencies.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses for additional meals, beverages, souvenirs, and optional activities.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff members.
- Accommodation Beyond Itinerary: Any additional lodging required before or after the scheduled trekking dates.
- Airport Transfers: Transfers to the airport upon departure beyond the designated schedule.
- Visa Fees: Fees associated with obtaining entry visas for Tanzania, if applicable.
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for medical treatment or medications during the trek.
- Optional Activities: Any additional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary.