Marangu Route 5 Days
The Marangu Route or also nicknamed coca cola route it is the only hike up Mount Kilimanjaro were you‘ll sleep in Mountain huts instead of tents and the only route that takes the same route up as it does down, usually in a total of 6 days. It can be shortened to 5 days but this cuts out a very important altitude day which we strongly recommend in order to prepare yourself for the summit, the 6th day allows time for side trips for crucial altitude gain, climb high, sleep low scenario – a major factor in your summit bid becoming successful.
The Marangu route is an extremely popular one as it attracts a lot of climbers of all ages and climbing experience. Group sizes tend to be bigger as there is the social element of a climb and the fact that parties can pretty much book (through an operator only) a hut for themselves. Add in the fact you have a hut and a foam mattress (provided) at the end of a day to lay your head as opposed to a tent making this the most manicured of routes due to the human traffic it gets with very open kept pathways as you make your way between each hut a possible down-fall is that it can be crowded and noisy in the huts once one person wakes up – or if a group is returning from a successful summit bid and are in party mode!!.
Bush2Beach Safaris offers the Marangu route both in 5 and 6 days; depending on your budget, preferences and available time. The route is the same for both options with the difference being one extra day (day 3) at altitude. Again, we strongly advise you to opt for this extra day which gives you the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the mountain and also greatly increase your chances of summiting.
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Below, we go through the adventure day-by-day, giving you a better feel of the adventure.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport - you will be collected by your driver guide and transfer to the Moshi region. Check in at your choice of accommodation.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (D)
Day 2: Briefing
After breakfast, you will meet your Kilimanjaro guide and receive a briefing on your coming climb. A great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and for you and your guide to double check your clothing and equipment. In the afternoon you will then set out on a 2-3 hour acclimatization walk, this gentle walk will help you warm up before you start Kilimanjaro tomorrow.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B, D)
Day 3: Mandara Huts
After breakfast, head towards the Marangu Gate (approximately 2,5 hours from Arusha) and once the necessary paper work has been completed, your start hiking through the dense rainforest.
Enjoy the impressive vegetation and the relatively short walking day of approximately 4 hrs when you reach at the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior
O/n Mandara Hut at 2650 meters (L, D)
Day 4: Horombo Huts
Today you will reach the timberline - climb up through giant Alpine forest and across moor lands onto the slopes of the Mawenzi massif, lunch on the way. The walk will take 4-7 hours before you reach Horombo hut. This is a long day about 14 km but taken at a slow easy pace with rest stops en-route.
O/n Horombo Hut at 3700 meters (B, L, D)
Day 5: Kibo Huts
Today’s stage is long and tough. After breakfast, continue the climb towards Kibo Hut – a fairly long day with 13km to cover. The trail passes the so-called “saddle”, a vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Enjoy an early evening and try to get some rest as the night will be very short.
O/n Kibo Hut at 4700 meters (B, L, D)
Day 6: Summit Day
Early wakeup call in preparation for the summit attempt – after hot drinks and a small snack you slowly at a steady pace, start the last part of you ascent to Uhuru peak. If all goes to plan you should reach the summit at 5,896 meters in time to catch the sunrise. After the victory dance and pictures have been taken begin the descent to Horombo Hut.
O/n Horombo Hut at 3700 meters (B, L, D)
Day 7: Last Day on the Mountain
After breakfast you descend slowly towards Marangu gate for a champagne brunch to celebrate with your team. Here you will meet with our vehicles and transfer back to your lodge for well deserved showers and overnight.
O/n Kaliwa Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 8: Departure
After a good night sleep and a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departing flight. (B)
Note: O/N = Overnight, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| Amount of persons: | Price p.p. (usd): |
| 2 people sharing | 1915.- |
| 4 people sharing | 1590.- |
| 6 people sharing | 1570.- |
| Note: prices are based on two adults and indicative. Single supplement is $ 95 | |
- Included:
- Meals as stipulated |B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner
- Emergency Evacuation Cover
- Park fee, Conservation fees and Community Development Fees
- All transfers and activities as mentioned above
- Accommodation as stipulated
- Water, Tea and Coffee During the Climb
- Excluded:
- Visa and airport departure tax
- Items of personal nature and not mentioned in the above itinerary
- Tips for Guides, Assistant Guides, Porters and Cooks
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Through our Community Development foundation, the African Roots Foundation, Bush2Beach Safaris actively supports rural communities in Tanzania's Bush and Beach.