5 DAYs Marangu ROUTE      

Overview    

MARANGU ROUTE this is the most popular route known as the ‘coca-cola route’, Due to their uniqueness is the oldest and one of the most preferable routes. Many agree that, this is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro summit point, given its gradual slope. Although is the easiest route because no technical skills are required for this five-day trek. It is not as scenic as other routes. However, some prefer this route because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers.

There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. During peak season these huts can be very overloaded so as advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The Marangu route is usually done in 5 days; we would highly recommend all to add an additional day for better acclimatization.

ITINERARY  

Arrive in Tanzania

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be meet Boko Explorers representative, picked up there and transfer to hotel in Moshi town. Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Hotel: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m).

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and transferred to the Marangu gate. After arriving at Marangu gate, Boko Explorers will handle all pre-hike formalities and once complete you will start your Kilimanjaro climb through the dense rainforest. As we head to the Mandara Hut we will see impressive vegetation and if lucky we will catch a glimpse of some of the local primates. Once arrived we will have time to settle in and relax before embarking on a stroll to the  Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi

Approx. time taken: 9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving the Mandara Hut, we will reach the timberline entering 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.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi

Approx. time taken: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today’s path is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that 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.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) then, down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi

Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

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 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – 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 5895m. 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.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Continuing through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, we will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a private car will then take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the warm shower you have been craving. It’s definitely time to celebrate!

End of The Trip