DETAILED ITINERARY
Affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola route“, Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatization period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. 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. All your equipment and supplies are pottered and a cook prepares all your meals.
Day 1 – Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport / Moshi
You are met at the Airport or in Arusha City, drive to Moshi.
Overnight: Springland Hotel – HB
Day 2 – Moshi Town / Mandara Huts (8,858 ft.), Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu Gate (6,496 ft.)
Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara hut (2720m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 7.5 Miles
Habitat: Montane forest
In just under an hour, you’ll reach the Kilimanjaro National Park gate where climbers sign in and make final preparations. You will be most thankful for the porters, who will ascend before you, carrying food, water, cooking gas and most of your equipment. Our expert guides will be available for anything you might need, but once all is settled, the climb begins. You will take a cleared ridge trail through the amazing rain forest, which is suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss. It is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. Should you prefer a more scenic forest path along the edge of a stream, there is an option to take it, then rejoin the main trail later on. In a forest clearing at Mandara Hut, you will sleep for the night. Quarters are a group of wooden A-frame huts with bunks for 6 to 8, solar generated lighting, water and flush toilets.
Overnight: Mandara Huts
This campsite is set in a forest along the Marangu Route. Mandara Huts can accommodate up to 60 campers at a time. The campsite relies on solar lighting and features a dining hall and ablution facilities.
Meal Plan: Full Board basis
Day 3 – Horombo Huts & Campsite, Mount Kilimanjaro -Mandara hut (8,858 ft) / Horombo hut (12,205 ft)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 11kms
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to 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 Kilimanjaro), 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.
Overnight: Horombo Huts & Campsite
The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a ranger’s office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite
Meal Plan: Full Board basis
Day 4 –Horombo Huts & Campsite, Mount Kilimanjaro -Acclimatization Day – Horombo Hut (12,205 ft.)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 9.4 Miles
Habitat: Moorland
Acclimatization Day
As you might imagine, the atmosphere at the hut today is filled with excitement, adventure and lively exchange. Bustling with hikers, guides and porters, it is a switching station of sorts, with ascending and descending hikers exchanging valuable stories and information. Remember to drink enough water today; your main priority should be acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut is strongly recommended for this purpose. During the climb — 3 hours up, 1.5 down — you will pass the Zebra Rocks. When you return to camp, there will be hot food mixed with anticipation. Retire early, for this will be your last full night’s rest before the summit ascent.
Meal Plan: Full Board basis
Day 5 – Kibo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro – Horombo Hut (12,205 ft.)/Kibo Hut (15,419 ft.)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 9.3 Miles
Habitat: Alpine desert
The ascent continues. From Horombo, there are two trails to the “Saddle,” the area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The upper right-hand fork, its path stony and eroded, will be familiar from yesterday’s climb. You are, however, encouraged to take the less taxing lower left-hand fork, which passes the last watering point, at 13,549 ft. Unless you plan on buying mineral water at Kibo, you’ll need to supply yourself with all the water you’ll need before returning to Horombo two nights from now. Our destination for this leg of the climb is Kibo hut, a stone blockhouse in the barren Alpine desert with bunk beds for 60, but no streams for water. (The camp office will have mineral water and soft drinks to buy.) You will make your final ascent, just 3,921 ft. further, later tonight. For now, focus on preparing your equipment, ski stick and clothing. Fill your thermal flask with water. Replace your headlamp and camera batteries, with a spare set packed. Once you are confident that all is ready, bed down around 7 pm and get the precious rest you’ll need.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Kibo is a basecamp set in the Kilimanjaro National Park. Climbers set camp here before leaving for Uhuru Peak. Accommodation at Kibo is provided in lodge-like housing that caters to 60 people. All rooms feature bunk beds, accommodating up to 6 people. Other services and facilities include a dining room, shared toilets, a ranger’s hut, and a guides’ hut.
Meal Plan: Full Board basis
Day 6 –Horombo Huts & Campsite, Mount Kilimanjaro – Kibo Hut (15,419 ft.)/Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft.)/Horombo Hut (12,205 ft.)t
Ascent time: 8h to Uhuru Peak
Descent Time: 6h to get to Horombo Hut
Distance: Approximately 9.9 miles ascent, 13 miles descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
This is the moment — your summit attempt. After tea and biscuits in the darkness (you will rise at 11:30 pm on Day 6), you climb into the night. What lies ahead is no joke — the terrain is unforgiving, requiring great physical and mental effort. Ascend the rocky path to Hans Meter Cave at 16,896 ft. and take a short rest. The trail now zigzags its way up to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, at 18,638 ft. You will no doubt make your final ascent in snowfall, but we guarantee that once you are standing on Africa’s highest point, the fire inside you will burn fierce, melting away any external conditions! How long you will have to snap photos and experience your well-earned euphoria will be out of your hands; the weather is in charge here. Once you begin your 3-hour descent (stopping at Kibo to pick up your gear), you won’t believe how fast it will seem! At Horombo, with adrenaline still flowing, you will savor a bittersweet last dinner on the mountain. After hiking for 14 hours, though, we suspect that sleep that will be foremost in your mind.
Overnight: Horombo Huts & Campsite
The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a rangers office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.
Meal Plan: Full Board basis
Day 7– Springlands Hotel , Moshi – Horombo Hut (12,205 ft.)/Marangu Gate (6,496 ft.)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 16.8 miles
We trust you slept well. This morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast and begin your six-hour descent in quite a different state of mind, passing the Mandara hut and landing, so to speak, at the Marangu gate. After checking in at the gate, successful climbers receive summit certificates, as tangible testimony to their triumph. All climbers collect their gear, square up with the porters (be sure you and all your gear have reached the gate successfully before tipping) and are finally driven back to Moshi. Hot water has never enjoyed this status — your shower is sure to be transcendent! And your dinner celebration will be one for the scrapbook!
Overnight: Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel situated near Moshi in Tanzania is an ideal base for mountain walking trips and safaris to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and other wilderness areas in northern Tanzania. The modern hotel is located on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The hotel features a large and modern swimming pool, an airy dining area set in pleasant gardens and indoor and outdoor bars. The accommodations all have spacious tiled en suite facilities with showers, windows fitted with mosquito netting and fans. The hotel is named after the freshwater springs which is located just a short distance away from the hotel.
Meal Plan: Half Board
Day 8 –Moshi /Arusha City or Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.
END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH US!!
QUOTES:
VALIDITY: 01 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024
| NO OF PAX |
PER PERSON |
| 1 PAX |
$2,670 |
| 2 PAX |
$2,470 |
| 3 PAX |
$2,450 |
| 4 PAX |
$2,270 |
| 5 PAX & ABOVE |
$2,240 |
| SRS |
$100 |
VALIDITY: 01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025
| NO OF PAX |
PER PERSON |
| 1 PAX |
$2,550 |
| 2 PAX to 5 PAX EACH |
$2,350 |
| 6 PAX & ABOVE EACH |
$2,300 |
| SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT | $100 |
Includes:
– Two nights’ accommodation at the Spring lands Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb)
– Return transportation from Arusha / Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
– Qualified guides with mountain crew
– National park fees
– Tents and sleeping mattresses
– Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
– Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
– Rescue Fees
– Pulse oximeters
– First aid kit
– Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
– Boiled water on the mountain
– All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
– Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
– Emergency oxygen
Excludes:
– Airport transfers
– Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
– Meals and drinks not specified
– Gear for your climb
– Items of personal nature
– Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
– Visas
Enquiries and Bookings
Please fill in the form below to book or make further enquiries.
