5 Days Marangu Climbing Route.
Many prefer Marangu because it is considered the easiest route on the mountain, due to its gentle slope and direct route. However the short duration of the route makes altitude adjustment difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are on the same route
The Marangu Route is known as the "Tourist Route" or the "Coca-Cola Trail."
It is called the "Tourist Route" for two reasons. One reason is simply its popularity: it makes this climbing route touristy.
The Marangu Route is also the only climbing route that uses the same ascent and descent route, which makes it the busiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu Route is a nice walk with a steady, gradual incline (at least until you reach the last camp). This gave the Marangu route the reputation as an "easy" route to climb.
And that's another reason for the name "Tourist Route": because it is supposed to be "easy", the Marangu route is used by many unprepared "tourists", rather than travelers.
The name "Coca Cola Trail" comes from the sleeping huts along the trail. They sell things (including bottled water and candy). The Marangu route is the only route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodation. Camping is not allowed.
Climbing the Marangu route is cheaper. You don't need camping equipment (there is no charge for extra porters to carry equipment) and you can hike for five days/four nights. Also, many cut-throat budget operators operate on this route.
But make no mistake: the Marangu route is NOT easy and NOT for tourists! It's a steep climb with very low success rates. Only a quarter to a third of climbers on this route reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The reason?
5 DAYS KILIMANJARO CLIMB MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY (HUT)
DAY 0: ARRIVAL / CLIMBING BRIEFING AND INSPECTION OF CLIMBING GEAR
After arriving in Kilimanjaro / Arusha city via Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by your professional driver from Leon Expeditions Ltd and transferred to the Hotel for rest, dinner and overnight, if time permits a free city tour can be arranged . On this day you will be given climbing information at your hotel and climbing equipment to check to ensure a successful climb. a chance to see Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru in the distance.
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Leave Arusha/Moshi at approximately 09:00 to Marangu Gate for the necessary procedures before starting our journey. The hiking trail begins with a walk through a beautiful tropical forest. On the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hills until we reach Mandara Hut.
• Food Plan: LD Budget
• Altitude : 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
• Distance : 8km/5mi
• Walking Time : 3-4 hours
• Habitat : Montane Forest
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
We start the Marangu Route 5 Days Hike by continuing through the forest until the path opens up into the high moorland. We can get our first views of the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
• Meal Plan: Full Board
• Altitude : (ft):8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
• Distance : 12km/7.5mi
• Walking Time : 6-8 hours
• Habitat : Heathland
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
We climb gradually, then cross the "Saddle" moon desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, is located at the foot of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we relax, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
• Meal Plan: Full Board
• Altitude (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Walking Time: 6-8 Hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
DAY 4: CLIMB KIBO HUT TO THE TOP, AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT
Early in the morning (around midnight), we start our journey towards the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trip. Wind and cold at this altitude and during the day can be severe. We climb in the dark for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At the Gilman point (18,600 feet), you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru peak - the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a short time taking in the African plains and your achievements, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and enough sleep.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation (ft): 15,430 feet to 19,341 feet
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Climbing Time: 6-8 Hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Altitude (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Climbing Time: 4-5 Hours
DAY 5: HIKE HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
On our last day, we have a longer trek through the tropical rain forest. Once at the park headquarters at the Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. The car will meet us here and take us to the hotel in Arusha/ Moshi.
Dinner and bottles of Champaign accompanied by a party at your Hotel/Lodge.
• Meal Plan: Breakfast / Lunch
• Elevation (ft): 12,205 feet to 6,046 feet
• Distance: 20 km/12 miles
• Walking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
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DAY 6: DEPARTURE DAY
Getting off at the airport depends on the flight schedule. You will be picked up from your hotel to
the airport ready to catch your flight to next destination.
INCLUDES
• Mobile phones - carried by the main guide and all assistant guides, for daily communication with our Arusha base. For any emergency
• Linen (with replaceable bedding)
• Complete medical / first aid kit
• Professional mountain guides, all senior guides (at least one per trip) are currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder).
• A ratio of at least one guide for every three guests, to ensure personal attention.
• Cooks and porters
• Storage fees
• Camp fees
• Emergency rescue costs
• 4-season mountain tents (triple tent used as a double or single tent (extra charge), each tent equipped with a reinforced floor mat that covers both sides of the road, to allow clean and dry storage of equipment and waterproofing, mud or dust from entering the tent.
• Foam camping mat
• Large dining tent without weather, at night the tent is lit by candlelight, this tent is used for breakfast, lunch and dinner if the weather does not permit.
• Aluminum tables and chairs for all meals.
• Three meals a day, we prepare and prepare delicious and exciting meals needed for a long trip in the mountains.
• Snacks
• Tea and coffee
• Mineral water
• Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
• Transfer from the final destination to the hotel
EXCLUDES
- Accommodation on arrival and last day
- Mountain guide tips, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 - 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance / travel insurance
- Personal medicine/first aid kit
- Personal travel equipment
- Sleeping bag
