The Kilimanjaro 5 Days Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite complete with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and women’s latrines are available at the last camp but are very rudimentary. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in the dining huts, providing a pleasant and energetic atmosphere. This route is usually done in five days but it can be done in six for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi. Therefore, I will give you both price options for the Marangu 5-day and the Marangu 6-day routes. Just let me know how many days you want to take.
Arrival: Optional airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
Activity: Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Arrive at least one day before the trek starts to review your equipment and rent any necessary gear.
After breakfast and your briefing, we will drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about one hour), register, and commence the climb. We will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surrounding areas, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birds, and Colobus monkeys.
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.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point as we walk onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape.” We will then have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, we descend, stopping for lunch at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most challenging part of the trek, with many switchbacks. Going slowly and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland and into the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the national park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
