7 Day Marangu Route- Kilimanjaro Trekking
The Marangu Route: The “Coca-Cola” Route
The Marangu route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most well-established route. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts feature communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long-drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Ease of Ascent and Challenges of Acclimatization
Many favor Marangu because, given its gradual slope and direct path, it is considered the most straightforward path on the mountain. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization reasonably tricky. As a result, hikers may face altitude-related issues despite the easier incline.
Scenic Views and Crowds
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Unfortunately, Marangu is less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent follow the same path. For this reason, it is also the most crowded route, with a higher number of climbers compared to other routes on the mountain.
THE BUDGET:
7 Days from $2, 148 per person
Price is an estimate only and is dependant on group size, age of children, time of year and your choice of camps.
MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL:
We can incorporate all kind of activities in your safari, like coffee farm tours, hot air balloon, Maasai cultural tours, canoe safari, zip-lining and hiking. See below for our optional extras.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel for overnight accommodation. The Hotel offers a tranquil and luxurious retreat with an outdoor swimming pool for travellers seeking a unique experience. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
- Therefore, driving Distance is: 29 / km (30 Mins)
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat
Meals Plan: Bed & Breakfast
MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS
MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 7K /MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft
Departing from Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel, a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Accomodation: Mandara Hut
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS
MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 11KM/3MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS
HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft
After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, while we stop for lunch, and later, when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Kibo Huts
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 14KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft
Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue to the summit in a switchback formation, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic sense of accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Barafu Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 18KM/11MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters since you will leave them here. You return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will drive you from the gate to your hotel in Arusha. Gran Melia Hotel Arusha. An oasis within Arusha set out on 18 acres of beautifully landscaped coffee and tea plantations—pure tranquillity with spectacular views of Mount Meru. Offers Excellent service. ✓ Amazing views ✓ Free Wi-Fi ✓ Gym ✓ Sauna ✓ Spa ✓ Wellness.
- Driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours)
Accommodations Option
Accomodation: Mweka Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure After breakfast
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
- Inclusion
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private Mountain sleeping tents:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees, Airport transfers, Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Pre and Post-Climb Accommodations
- Portable toilet
- Exclusion
- Tanzanian visa
- Airfares
- Traveller’s insurance
- Tips, Personal spending monies for souvenirs, etc.
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Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience. Our team lives and breathes Africa. That’s why you can trust us to tailor-make the most authentic and fulfilling African experience.
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