6 Days Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route - Native Son Expeditions

6 Days

Group: Unlimited

Kilimanjaro

Month: 12

Tour Overview

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, due to its more gradual slope (Hence high Kilimanjaro Success Rate). It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation. 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 have 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.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Trekking to the highest mountain in Africa

Two night hotel accommodation in Moshi.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi - Marangu gate - Mandara Hut
After breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paper work, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumb less black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and you have had some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to the Maundi Crater where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as of the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the evening at Mandara Hut.
- Elevation: 1900M to 2700 M
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Elevation: (2,700m) to (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Montane forest transitioning to moorland
Day 3: Horombo Huts - Acclimatization Day
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Elevation: Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23:00 h.
- Elevation: 3700M to 4700M
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlight to light the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the rays of the morning light. After well-deserved photo opportunity you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 4700M to 5895 and down to 3700M
- Distance: 6 km up/15 km down/9 km to Horombo
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate– Moshi

The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro Flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to your Hotel. At the hotel you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 3700M to 1900M
Distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 5-8 Hrs
Habitat: Moorland to Montane forest

Price Includes

Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
Pre and post climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
Park, camping & rescue fees
Mountain tent & mattress
Professional English speaking guide(s), porters & cook
breakfasts, lunches & dinners
Water; tea and coffee with meals
Oxygen tank

Price Excludes

Flights
Travel insurance
Visa and passport fees
Increases in park fees where applicable
Personal equipment
Tips for guide(s), porters & cook
Soda and Alcoholic beverages
Meals while in Hotel

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