6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Marangu Route

Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara hut (2700m), Hiking time: 5h, Distance: Approximately 12kms, Habitat: Montane forest Drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate passing through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro for park entry formalities. Leave the Park gate and ascend through the rain forest, where most of Kilimanjaro's animals are found - trekking/climbing/hiking continues till we reach Manda hut where we will spend the rest of the day, dinner and overnight.

Hiking time: 6h, Distance: Approximately 15kms Habitat: Moorland From Mandara begin trekking/walking/hiking/climbing through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater where you will have your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On the open moorland you will see some of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants - the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. All meals dinner and overnight at the Horombo huts.

Continue with Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing/Hiking/Trekking Safari along the Maranu Route - Leave Horombo hut (3720m) for Kibo hut (4700m) Hiking time: 6h Distance: Approximately 15kms Habitat: Alpine desert Continue with your mountain climbing safari heading for Mount Kilimanjaro's summit through alpine desert habitat.Our guide will advise you accordingly. Go to bed at round about 1900hrs and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible before making a summit attempt in the next day.

Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to get to Horombo Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit To attempt climbing to MountKilimanjaro's summit you will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman's point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office). dinner and overnight.

Horombo hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m) Hiking time: 6h Distance: Approximately 27kms After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the your pre-booked hotel. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, Mountain Trekking/Hiking Safari in Tanzania - Marangu Route - 5 Days, 4 Nights The Marangu route ascends Kilimanjaro from the Eastern side of the mountain closest to Moshi town. The Marangu route. also affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola route" is by far the most popular route for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Safaris. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route is the least expensive route and it is possible to get to Mount Kilimanjaro's peak in 5 days using the Marangu route. Acclimatization period is very minimal using this route. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route.