Overview of 5 days Marangu route Kilimanjaro hiking tours itinerary
Examine the five-day Marangu route. Discover the Marangu route, also called the "Coca-Cola" route, which is the most well-known and historic route on Kilimanjaro. The sole route that provides sleeping cottages instead of camping does so in a dormitory setting. At Mandara and Kibo Huts, there are 60 bunk beds each, while Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds. Although beds and pillows are provided, sleeping bags are still necessary. The huts contain shared dining areas and simple restrooms, ranging from long-drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut to lower huts with flushing toilets and running water. Marangu is preferred by many because, due to its mild slope and straightforward trail, it is thought to be the simplest path on the mountain. However, the route's short duration makes altitude adaptation quite challenging. Mount Kilimanjaro is approached via the route from the southeast. Due to the ascent and descent being on the same route, Marangu is regrettably less picturesque than the other routes. Due to this, it is also the busiest route.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m
Distance: 7 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Climatic Zone: Montane Forest
Meals: L, D
Hut: Mandara Hut
After breakfast and an orientation, travel (45 minutes) to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, register, and start the ascent. To reach the Mandara camp, through the rain forest. It is a good idea to take a side excursion to Maundi Crater to visit the area, which includes Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for Colobus monkeys, soaring Eucalyptus trees, and other wildlife in the rainforest.
Day 2: Kilimanjaro Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
Distance: 11 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Climatic Zone: Heathland/ Moorland
Meals: B, L, D
Hut: Horombo Hut
After leaving the glades of the rainforest, you travel along a trail on the wide moorlands until you reach the Horombo camp. Amazing views can be seen from the top of Kibo and Mawenzi. Look for enormous groundsels and lobelias. You can start to experience the affects of the elevation.
Day 3: Kilimanjaro Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6-8 hours
Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Hut: Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking into 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 4: Kilimanjaro Kibo Hut to Summit then Horombo Hut
Elevation: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down
Time: 10-15 hours
Climatic Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: B, L, D
Hut: Horombo Camp
Start your ascent to the summit very early in the morning (between midnight and two in the morning) by making your way up to Gilman's point, which is on the crater rim. Ascending further, we now reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest peak. Every turn reveals breathtaking views. Take a photo of yourself at the summit to show your loved ones. From there, we descend to Kibo, where we have lunch and take a break before moving on to the Horombo camp.
This climb starts out in the dark, necessitating the use of headlamps or flashlights. You will need all of your warm garments because it will be really cold until you start descending. With numerous switchbacks, this is by far the hardest part of the hike. You can get there by moving slowly ("pole pole") and having a positive outlook.
Day 5: Kilimanjaro Horombo Hut to Moshi
Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
Distance: 18km
Time: 5-7 hours
Meals: B
After breakfast, we gently descend to the Mandara Hut via the moorland. Follow the path through the magnificent woodland all the way down to the Marangu National Park gate. At lower altitudes, it could be soggy and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts will likely be sufficient to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
At the Marangu gate, a car will be waiting to pick you up and take you back to your accommodation in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your tour guides and porters. It's time to celebrate!
