Marangu Route
The Marangu (or Coca-Cola) route is the most ancient route on Kilimanjaro. This route begins at the south-east of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that can offer sleeping huts, which of course benefits those hiking during the rainy season. At the Mandara and Kibo huts, there are 60 bunk beds and at the Horombo hut there are 120 bunk beds. All huts have shared dining rooms along with standard washrooms which consists of flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts and long drop toilets and buckets of water at the Kibo hut. The huts also supply guests with mattresses and pillows, but guests are still required to bring sleeping bags.
It is a relatively popular route due to its direct route and gradual slope, but the disadvantage is that this route has a short duration making altitude acclimatisation more difficult. It can also be more crowded than others at times.
This trail also runs through all the climate zones, allowing you to view some of the most amazing, ancient African landscapes.
Package Itinerary - 6 days!
Firstly, we begin by ascending a stunning, tropical rainforest (it’s recommended to bring a raincoat and some extra clothes) where there is a brilliant opportunity to see the local blue monkeys. The trail then begins to widen allowing you to view the breath-taking hillsides clearly until we finally arrive at Mandara Hut.
We continue to travel through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. This is where we will get to see the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
This day is for acclimatisation and of course can be spent day-hiking on Mawenzi Ridge, up at elevation 14,400 feet. When we’ve explored this fascinating area, we then travel back to the Horombo Hut.
Here we climb gradually, then we then cross the desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut will then be at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
Around midnight, we begin to move towards the summit (this stage of the trek can be mentally and physically challenging). The weather conditions can be extreme at this time of the day. We will then ascend in the darkness for hours while taking frequent, short breaks. At Gilman’s point, you will be instantly rewarded with an incredibly beautiful sight being the sunrise coming over the Mawenzi Peak. We will then arrive at Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and amazingly, the entire continent of Africa, at elevation 19,341 feet.
We will then descend to Horombo Hut. During the evening we will enjoy our final dinner and long sleep.
On the final day, we have a trek through the rainforest. Once we reach the park headquarters, we will then collect our summit certificates.
This package has been carefully priced to include everything that you will need to have a successful 6 day Kilimanjaro climbing adventure. Climbing packages of 5, 6 and 7 days are also possible depending upon your preference. Shorter durations tend to be cheaper, but are more physically demanding.
One Person: $1,578.00
Two People: $1,516.00
Three People: $1,463.00
Four People: $1,442.00
5 People: $1,421.00
6+ People: $1,401.00
