Climbing Kilimanjaro, Marangu route
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8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Using Marangu Route.
Popularly dubbed as ‘Coca Cola’ route, Marangu route is known to be the cheapest to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. It uses the same trail to climb up and come down and it offers hut accommodation where camping is NOT allowed. This route is also the shortest but very challenging in view of the fact that it gives climbers little time to adapt to the climate therefore we recommend you take an extra day to adjust so as to increase the chance of reaching the summit successfully
We have a professional team of guides, porters and cooks to assist during your climb. We also have highly qualified guides with a high safety record and best client success rate. The guides ensure your pulse rate and oxygen saturation are checked daily as a way of securing your safety.
Once your booking is confirmed, we send you a comprehensive Kilimanjaro Packing list. Check out all the routes here; climbing Kilimanjaro
This is the day that you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport after which our driver takes you to a hotel of your choice. The day is for settling in your living quarters, relaxing and adapting to the African Climate and atmosphere at Kilimanjaro. You can also book an extra day to rest, reload and prepare for your climb the next day which helps in increasing your chances to reach the summit. We give you the freedom to choose a hotel of your own hence we DO NOT include the hotel on the first and last day in this itinerary. See the example below You only need to let us know your hotel preference be it modest ($40 a night + bed and breakfast) or 5 star luxury and we book the hotel for you in Moshi.
Elevation gain: 870 meters/2,854 feet On this second day, your guide picks you from your hotel and drives you to Marangu gate where your trekking starts. The trail begins at the foot of the mountain going up to a tropical rain forest. Fortunately you can spot the rare black and white colobus monkeys as you climb at your own pace enjoying the forest and hillsides until you reach Mandara Huts which takes 4 to 5 hours. While relaxing at the camp, you can go on excursions to see the volcanic Maudi Crater nearby.
Elevation gain: 1020m /3,346 ft This day the climb goes on from Mandara Huts through a forest with a vegetation of up to 5m high, the trail opens out into moorland, a zone where as you climb higher the flora and fauna become less and less, the air is thinner and oxygen is less. You can have a beautiful view of Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, Kibo, on a clear day and also see Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second peak, later. After 4 to 6 hours trek you arrive at Horombo Huts probably in the afternoon where you relax and prepare for the next day.
Elevation gain: 980m /3,215 ft A good morning where you climb towards the attractive lunar desert and ascend up to the low point between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks considered as the saddle of Kilimanjaro. You then move on to alpine zone where vegetation thins out and walk for 6 to 7 hours to get to Kibo Camp, which is located at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall, for lunch. After that you can relax as you prepare for the next day to make your final ascend to the summit. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking enough water during the day and walking at a slow pace.
Elevation gain: 1195 m / 3,920 ft Elevation loss: 2175 m / 7,135 ft This is the day you face the hardest trekking challenge which starts at midnight while it is still dark, cold and the trail is steep at Gilman’s Point (the rim of the main crater). As you ascend take short breaks until you reach Gilman’s point where you get a chance to enjoy an amazing sunrise over Mawenzi. From there you climb for 2 to 3 hours to the Uhuru Peak which is the highest point of Kilimanjaro. At the summit take time to celebrate what you accomplished as you view a magnificent wide landscape of white snow and towering peaks. Once done at the summit descend to Horombo Hut where you spend your last night on the mountain, enjoy a sound sleep after overcoming the 14 hour challenges of the long day.
Elevation loss: 1890 m /6,200 ft The 6th day is a day of descending through the tropical forest to the Marangu gate. You trek for 5 to 6 hours to arrive at the bottom of the mountain where you collect your summit certificate. Your driver then picks you and takes you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and night rest. The 7th day is for recreation and relaxation.
This is the last day, a day of relaxing and travelling over the area to familiarize further. This however does not mean your journey should come to an end. You can extend with us and luxuriate on the tropical Zanzibar Island or in one of the other exotic beach destinations i.e Pemba and Mafia Islands. Should you feel like ending the journey and flying back home after the trek then you arrive at your home on the 9th day.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not easy owing to its altitude, rate of ascent, the different temperatures and the number of hours you have to walk a day. To achieve this, you have to be fit and healthy and to increase your chances of reaching the summit and ensure that you actually enjoy the trek, here is what you can do 1. Take your time 2. Do not hike too fast. This gives your body a chance to adapt and acclimatize 3. Be in good shape to make the climb easier 4. Go hiking a few months before the climb or prepare with some aerobics For altitude sickness we advise you take preventive measures by taking an extra day at Horombo hut to adjust probably day 3 or 4, which increases the chance of reaching the summit successfully. The price for an extra day is €260 per person. Contact us for any additional advice and suggestions on how to be fit for climbing Kilimanjaro.
— 3 Delicious meals a days, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
— All park entrance, camping and rescue fees
— Warm water for washing to be provided every morning and evening.
— Oxygen Cylinder – only for emergency
— English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cook and porters
— Staff salaries and fees.
— Transport to/from national park gates.
— First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
— Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
— 3 litres of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you..
— Prices do not include sleeping bags
— Gratuities
— Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted
— Health insurance
— Visa fees
— International airfare
— Laundry
— All Meals and drinks in Moshi town
Our team is always here to help