Due to the fact that it is the only way up Kilimanjaro where you sleep in huts rather than tents, the Marangu Route has been dubbed the “Coca Cola” route by travelers.
For those with no prior experience of high-altitude trekking, an optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is strongly advised. The trail passes through a rich rain forest, heath, and moorland before reaching an alpine desert, the arctic zone, and finally the summit. The same route is taken back down.
You'll be collected from the airport.
Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This near vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut which is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681 m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700 m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rain forest and after a total time of 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
