6 Days Marangu Route Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Trekking Overview

Marangu Route 6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek, the Marangu route – also “Coca-Cola” – is the most popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides extra comfort with its permanent huts. Fabulous vistas of Kilimanjaro’s Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are an added advantage of the Coca-Cola Route! Marangu Route offers 6 and 5-day itineraries, the latter being the way to go for experienced trekkers.

The 6-day Marangu Route itinerary with its longer acclimatization is preferable if this is to be your first time hiking Kilimanjaro. Those who trek Kilimanjaro on the Marangu route can look forward to a Kilimanjaro route that covers the distance of 64 km (40 miles) with comfortable conditions resulting in a 93.5% climbing Kilimanjaro summit success rate for the longer program for Kilimanjaro  trip.

Full Itinerary

Arrival Day Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) - Drive to Arusha

Welcome to Tanzania: Meet and greet at arrival point(usually at Kilimanjaro International Airport ,JRO) by our transfer and representative driver from Nduwa Tours who will escort you to the waiting vehicle for loading your luggage then drive you to the Hotel in Arusha town. You will meet our representative who will show up at the Airport with a sign board with your name and a warm smile on his/her face when welcoming you to Tanzania.

After checking in at the hotel you will get a briefing about your next day’s 9 Days Lemosho Route without Crater Camping then your mountain guide will check/inspect your climbing gears. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing at the pool or exploring the town of Arusha.

Accommodation: Mid-Range Hotel in Arusha on Bed & Breakfast Basis

We depart Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our Climb. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

 

  • Meal Plan: LD Budget
  • Elevation : 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
  • Distance : 8km/5mi
  • Hiking Time : 3-4 hours
  • Habitat : Montane Forest

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

  • Meal Plan: Full Board
  • Elevation :  (ft):8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
  • Distance : 12km/7.5mi
  • Walking Time : 6-8 hours
  • Habitat : Heathland

Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a Climb to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.

  • Start: Horombo Hut(3,700m)
  • Finish: Horombo Hut(3,700m)
  • Altitude: ↑280m
  • Walking time: 4-5h

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

  • Meal Plan: Full Board
  • Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time:6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the Climb. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

 

  • Meal Plan: Full Board
  • Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
  • Distance: 16 km/10 miles
  • Hiking Time:4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

On our last day, we have a long Climb mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast
  • Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
  • Distance: 20 km/12 miles
  • Hiking Time:5-7 hours
  • Habitat:Rain Forest

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

 

Plan your Trip

  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with open Roof Vehicle
  • Professional,Knowlegeable and English-speaking guide
  • Meals according to the itinerary (B,L,D)
  • Mineral water (Drinking Bottle Water)
  • Wi-Fi in the Safari Vehicle
  • AMREF (Flying Doctors Insurance)
  • Ngorongoro Crater Fees
  • All mentioned activities
  • All national park fees
  • WMA fees & Conversations Fees
  • Government Tax (VAT)
  • One night Hotel in Arusha before Safari
  • Driver’s Salary and park fees for vehicle and driver
  • Snacks in your safari car
  • Airport Transfers X2 (On arrival and on Departure)
  • Soft Drinks during the safari
  • Bottle of Wines
  • Local Beers
  • Olduvai Gorge Visit
  • Walking activity at the rim of the Crater
  • International Flights
  • Night in Arusha After Safari
  • Optional activities ,Balloon Safari 595 $ per person
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

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