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Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price
Trip Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Other Tour Details
Trip Overview
Overview
This Marangu Route is also referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route” because it is the most popular of all the routes. And because the route is the only one offering sleeping huts with beverages like Coca-Cola along the way, it is considered tourist-friendly.
Marangu is the easiest of all the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro where the ascending is very much gradual and steady. This is much less painful and challenging as compared to the other routes. But as per the stats, only about 35% of the people reach the top, primarily because they are ill-prepared.
The trekking journey commences at the southeast area of the mountain near the Marangu Gate. It takes a minimum of five days to complete, however, six days is recommended and is deemed more practical. There are living structures all along the way with a dining hall and bunk beds all equipped with mattresses and pillows which are known as sleeping huts. Descend will be down the same path which sometimes makes the Marangu route seem overcrowded. It is also cheaper to climb because of the small distance between the gate and Moshi, thus making it a shorter route to cover.
Tour Highlights
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Marangu Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
Includes/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal climbing gears
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Itinerary
Day 1 Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi,
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours,
Day 2 Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
You 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 may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
Day 3 Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 4 Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable.Once at the summit, you can take pictures which you will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. Lunch on route The climb will begin in way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layer of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey and a strong will power and an optimistic attitude is required to complete it!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 5 Hike Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) And Drive to Moshi
Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
FAQs
What is the weather on Kilimanjaro?
On Mt Kilimanjaro, conditions range from equatorial to arctic, and temperatures can vary greatly. In the rain forest, temperatures may be in the 20-32C range, while near the summit they can drop to -20C above the rain forest and tree line, temperatures generally range between 0-20C, but the weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly, so it is important to be prepared for all seasons in one day, including rain, snow, and hailstorms.
Which Kilimanjaro route should I climb?
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route for your climb depends on your preferences, fitness level, and the experience you’re seeking. There are several routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and each has its own characteristics.
How many trekkers are in each group?
Our trek sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 12 climbers (average of 6-8) on any of our climbs. This allows us to offer a personalized trekking experience and ensures appropriate attention for each trekker.
However, we also offer private treks that cater to any size family group and can be arranged to suit your specific needs. In addition, our private commercial groups cater to any size group and are tailored to meet the specific needs and client numbers of the organization.
What if I am slow?
We never rush our trek, instead, we like to take in the views and enjoy the experience. Some trekkers may be slower than others, but with our client-to-guide ratio, we are able to support everyone along the way.
Our mantra, “pole pole” (Swahili for “slowly slowly”), reminds us to take our time and ensure that all of our trekkers have the opportunity to enjoy the experience fully.
What is a typical daily routine on Kilimanjaro?
Most trekking on Kilimanjaro is done in the morning when the weather is at its best. The length of the trek for the day is determined by the route chosen. On shorter days, you will reach camp and have a cooked lunch there. On longer days, you will take a packed lunch. In the afternoon, you can use your spare time to rest or go on an additional acclimatization walk.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
How far in advance should I make a booking?
We recommend booking as soon as you know you can travel, and have decided on which tour you would like to go on. Some of our tours can be quite popular so it’s best to secure your spot as soon as possible.
Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs
An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb , usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania
How many hours will I trek each day?
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp.
Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
How long are the treks?
The treks vary from six to eight days. The exact length of each trek is written on the Trekking dates and prices page. You can, of course, ask for treks that are longer than eight days and we can arrange this for you – though we don’t book treks for less than 6 days as we feel this is too short to allow you to acclimatize properly.
Who are your operators in Tanzania?
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
Who is leading the trek?
The treks will be led by a local guide whom we have hand-picked because of their knowledge, expertise and experience on the mountain. We have an advantage here: because of the many years we have been working on the mountain and the number of times we have climbed it, so we are able to employ only those guides who meet our very stringent criteria. We employ only those who demonstrate excellent knowledge of the mountain, first-rate safety records, brilliant leadership skills and routinely provide wonderful care and attention towards all climbers to ensue their trek is a safe and enjoyable one.
Can I get an itinerary for the trek?
You will receive an exact itinerary when you send us an inquiry. In the meantime, you can read a summary of each of the treks by visiting our Routes up Kilimanjaro section. You can also find detailed day-by-day descriptions and detailed day-by-day route maps of each of the trails in the guidebook – which you will receive for free when you book a trek through us.
What currencies do you accept as payment?
As we are charged in US dollars, so all our prices are quoted in US dollars too. However, we are able to accept a wide range of other currencies too including sterling, euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Israeli shekels, Singapore dollars, Indian rupees etc etc
How many days before the start of the climb should I arrive in Tanzania?
We advise you to spend at least one full day in Tanzania before beginning your trek. Arriving by plane one day and then climbing the next is not the best way to begin a trek.
How many guides will we have?
You will have one lead guide and an assistant guide for 2-3 climbers.
For 4-6 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 2 assistant guides.
For 7-8 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 3 assistant guides.
For 9-10 climbers, you will have one lead guide and 4 assistant guides.
How is the quality of the camping equipment that you use?
We use high quality Eureka tents imported from the USA, Canada and Australia. We also provide foam mattresses designed for mountain excursions (not the thin yoga mat type).
How long does it take to reach the summit?
It will depend on the route you pick and your pace. It can take from 4-8 hours to reach the summit from the high camp.
Can children climb kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by the National park Authorities for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro is 12 years old. However, younger children can attempt the summit with special permission. Younger children can also trek on the mountain without reaching the summit.
How many guides, and porters and cooks do we get?
The number of staff that you will have depends on how much gear and weight is brought up the mountain, the route chosen and number of days on the mountain; however a typical trek will have (per 4 persons); 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook, 1 waiter and 9 porters.
Are the guides trained in first aid and altitude sickness?
Kilimanjaro guides are trained in acute mountain sickness (AMS) and basic mountain first aid. However, they are not doctors or paramedics. Climbers are responsible for bringing their own first aid kit and medical supplies.
What additional costs can i expect when i travel with you?
Extra expenses include:
Tips for guides, cook,s and porters
Rental equipment (sleeping bags, hiking poles, etc.)
Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi.
Any personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, etc.).
How much is a good tip?
The typical tip is:
Porters $5 per day per porter
Cooks $8 to $10 per cook
Assistant Guides $8 to $10 per guide
Kilimanjaro Guides $20 per day and up per guide
*Tip amounts listed for Kilimanjaro are per group, not per individual traveler. For instance, if four people are on Kilimanjaro, they should each contribute $5/day if they want to tip the lead guide $20.
What is the deposit amount to hold my space?
A 15% deposit is required at time of booking to hold your Kilimanjaro climb and 30% for your Tanzania safari.
Who prepare the food on the mountain?
Your trekking party will be supplied with a cook to prepare your meals in a safe and hygienic manner.
What about drinking water?
The porters will purify water for you at each camp.
Is it better to do a safari first, then the trek? Or do the trek first?
Most people start with the trek and end with the safari, so they get done with the hardest part of their trip and are able to relax on their safari. However, we can accommodate either order.
How do I wash myself on the mountain?
There are no showers on Kilimanjaro, but we provide soap and bowls of water and you may wish to carry wet-wipes for additional hygiene.
Do you provide oxygen on your climbs?
We carry emergency oxygen on all our climbs, for use when someone is suffering from a serious altitude-related illness. In this event the guide would ask you to descend since this is the only way to recover; however, oxygen can help people feel better during the descent, therefore making evacuation easier and safer.
Other Tour Details
Tour Pricing
| Number of People | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $ 2,100 |
| 2 people | $1,850 |
| 3 people | $1,830 |
| 4 people | $1,800 |
| 5 people | $1,780 |
| 6 people | $1,760 |
| 7 people | $1,740 |
| 8 people | $1,720 |
| 9 people | $1,700 |
| 10 people + | $1,650 |
Hotel Accommodations
| Accommodations before and after Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include: |
|---|
| 1. Ameg Lodge |
| 2. Lindrin Lodge |
| 3. Keys Hotel |
| 4. Parkview Inn |
| 5. Chanya Lodge |
| 6. Panama Garden Resort |
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