| Marangu Route is
also known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist"
route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit.
This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping
huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable
beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge
mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and
Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running
water are available at the two lower huts. Mens' and ladies'
latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from
several countries around the world, share meals in dining
huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft
drinks, bottled water, and beer are for sale at the huts.
Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices
increase with elevation). This route is usually done in
5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization.
The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing
the small peak of Mawenzi. Here is the standard itinerary
available for climbing Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route;
Day 00: Arrival in Tanzania
(Via Arusha, Namanga or Kilimanjaro Airport)
Transfer from Arusha or KIA (Kilimanjaro International
Airport) for Marangu, at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Dinner and overnight at the Kibo Hotel, Marangu Hotel
or Mountain Inn.
Day 01:
To Mandara Hut, 5500ft to 9000ft, 7 km, 4-5 hours, Montane
Forest
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro
National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence
the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara
encampment located at 9000 ft / 2740 m. A side trip to
Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including
Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for
towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colubus monkeys.
Day 02:
To Horombo Camp, 9000ft to 12,100ft, 11 km, 6-8 hours
Heathland After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades
of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the
open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi
and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias
and grounsels. You will start to feel the affects of the
altitude. If you wish to extend you trek, here you can
spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the
small peak of Mawenzi.
Day 03:
To Kibo Camp, 12,100ft to 15,400ft, 10 km, 6-8 hours
Alpine Desert Ascending, we now pass the last watering
point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between
the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with
upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape".
Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Day 04:
To Summit and Horombo, 15,400ft to 19,300ft (Uhuru Peak!!!)
We Climb 15,400ft to 19,300ft, (and descend to 12,100ft),
4 km up / 14 km down, 10-15 hours. Alpine Desert Very
early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb
to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's
point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft / 5861 m (4-7
hours). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which
is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2
hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture
taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we
now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before
continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and
a tired but happy overnight (1-2 hours).
NOTE:
This beginning of climb on day 4 is done
in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It
will be very cold until you start descending, so you will
need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most
difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. "Pole
pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Day 05:
To Moshi, 12,100ft to 5500ft, 18km, 5-7 hours
After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through
moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping
place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through
lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park
gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). At lower elevations, it can
be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep
rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet
you at Marangu village to drive you back to the Springlands
Hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.
It is time for celebration! Dinner and overnight at the
Kibo Hotel, Marangu Hotel or Mountain Inn.
Day 00:
Depart / Onward Travel Arrangement
After breakfast, depart for your next destination to either:
(a) The National Parks for a wildlife safari
(b) Kilimanjaro International Airport for for home-bound
/ onward flight
(c) Arusha Town by road, or
(d) Namanga if proceeding to Nairobi, Kenya by road.
NOTES: All climbing
groups, often from several countries around the world,
share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic
atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer are for
sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase
these items (NB: Prices increase with elevation). This
route is usually done on 5 days but can be done in 6 days
for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent
resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
|
Transport in a 9-seater safari minibus (Arusha-Kilimanjaro-Arusha)
International airfares in and out of Tanzania
