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Per PersonThe Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular and one of the oldest routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s known for its gradual slope and comfortable accommodations in mountain huts, making it a favored choice for first-time trekkers and those seeking a less strenuous climb.
Included and Excluded
- Accommodation on mountain.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunches & Dinner
- Professional mountain guides for trekking.
- Porters to carry equipment and supplies
- Cook Staff to prepare meals during the trek.
- Kilimanjaro Park Fees
- Environmental and Conservation Fees
- Airport Transfers
- Tents and cooking equipments
- Safety Equipment
- Rescue Services
- Medical Support
- Achievement Certificate: Upon reaching Uhuru Peak.
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Visa Fees: Tanzanian visa on arrival (if applicable).
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance, including coverage for high-altitude trekking.
- Tipping: Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Personal Equipment: Clothing, hiking boots, and other personal trekking gear. Sleeping bag (can be rented).
- Meals in Arusha|Moshi: Lunch and dinner before and after the trek in Moshi | Arusha (unless included in the hotel stay).
- Optional Tours: Any additional activities or tours before or after the trek, such as safaris or Zanzibar trips.
Route Highlights
- Accommodation in Huts: Unlike other routes where camping is necessary, the Marangu Route offers the comfort of sleeping in mountain huts with communal dining areas.
- Scenic Diversity: The route takes you through various climatic zones - from lush rainforest to alpine desert - culminating in the icy summit of Uhuru Peak.
- Shorter Duration: The Marangu Route is typically completed in 5 days, making it one of the quickest ways to reach the summit. This can be advantageous for those with limited time but poses a greater risk for altitude sickness due to the shorter acclimatization period.
- Cultural Experience: The starting point, Marangu Gate, is near the Marangu village, offering opportunities to experience the local Chagga culture before or after the trek.
- Summit Day: The final push to Uhuru Peak begins at midnight from Kibo Hut, allowing trekkers to reach the summit by sunrise. The reward is a breathtaking view from the "Roof of Africa."
Itinerary
Arrive in Arusha / Moshi, where you'll meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check. This is your chance to ask any last-minute questions and ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi.
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, where you might spot blue monkeys. The path is well-defined and gradually ascends to Mandara Hut, located on the forest edge. Â
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accommodation: Overnight at Mandara Hut.
The trek continues through the last section of the rainforest, then transitions into the moorland zone. As you ascend, you’ll have views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape becomes more barren, with giant lobelias and groundsels dotting the path. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Habitat: Heathland
- Accommodation: Overnight at Horombo Hut.
This acclimatization day is crucial for your success on the summit. You can hike to the nearby Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rocks, reaching elevations of around 4,000m. The hike provides a good opportunity to acclimate to the altitude and enjoy stunning views. Return to Horombo Hut in the afternoon for rest.
- Hiking Distance: 5-10 km (optional hike)
- Hiking Time: 3-5 hours (optional hike)
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland/Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Overnight at Horombo Hut.
The trek today takes you through the last water point at 4,130m and crosses the "Saddle," a lunar-like landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The climb is gradual but steady as you head toward Kibo Hut.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accommodation: Overnight at Kibo Hut.
You’ll start the final ascent around midnight. The trail to the summit is steep and challenging, but you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and the summit, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895m—the highest point in Africa. After taking in the views and photos, you'll descend back to Horombo Hut for rest.
- Hiking Time: 11-15 hours (Summit and Descent)
- Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
- Habitat: Arctic
- Accommodation: Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain before descending back through the heathland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll sign out, receive your summit certificates, and then be transferred back to Arusha / Moshi.
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Arusha / Moshi (optional).
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for your departure, or you can continue your adventure with a safari or a trip to Zanzibar.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked & Question
Marangu Route: Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, it offers hut accommodations and is the only route with this feature. It's relatively easy but has a lower success rate due to the shorter acclimatization period.
Machame Route: Also called the "Whiskey" route, it is more challenging than Marangu but offers stunning scenery and a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
Lemosho and Shira Routes: These routes are scenic, less crowded, and offer good acclimatization. They merge with the Machame Route before the summit.
Rongai Route: Approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and is less crowded. It's a good option during the rainy season.
Umbwe Route: The most challenging and steepest route, recommended only for experienced trekkers.
Dry Seasons: The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, and the trails are less muddy.
Wet Seasons: April, May, and November are rainy seasons, making the trek more challenging and less enjoyable due to wet and slippery conditions.
Altitude Sickness: Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it occurs when your body cannot adjust quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Prevention:
- Ascend slowly to allow your body to acclimatize.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in carbohydrates.
- Consider taking medication like Diamox (consult your doctor first).
- Listen to your guide and don’t ignore any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Physical Fitness: While you don’t need to be an athlete, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Cardiovascular training, strength conditioning, and stamina-building exercises are recommended.
Mental Preparation: Climbing Kilimanjaro is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. A positive mindset, determination, and mental resilience are crucial.
Clothing:
- Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
Thermal base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket and pants.
- Warm hat, gloves, and socks.
- Footwear: Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support.
Gear:
- Daypack for personal items, with a waterproof cover.
- Sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
- Trekking poles, headlamp, and sunglasses.
Other Essentials:
- High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Refillable water bottles or hydration system.
- First aid kit, including blister treatment and altitude sickness medication.
Summit Night: The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is the most challenging part of the trek. It involves trekking in the dark, cold temperatures (as low as -20°C/-4°F), and steep terrain.
Timing: You will start around midnight to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb can take 6-8 hours up and 4-7 hours down.
Preparation: Stay hydrated, go slowly, and keep warm. Your guide will set the pace.
Success Rates: Success rates vary by route:
- Marangu: 70-75%
- Machame: 85%
- Lemosho/Shira: 90%
- Rongai: 80-85%
Factors: Longer routes with gradual ascents typically have higher success rates due to better acclimatization.
Team Composition: A typical trekking group will include a lead guide, assistant guides, porters, and a cook.
Porters: They carry your main luggage, camping equipment, and supplies. You will carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and extra layers.
Meals: You’ll be provided with three meals a day. Meals are designed to be high-energy and nutritious, including soups, vegetables, pasta, rice, and fruits.
Water: Treated water will be provided by your guides. It's essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Hut Accommodation: Available only on the Marangu Route, which offers dormitory-style huts with bunk beds.
Camping: On other routes, you will sleep in tents, set up and taken down by the porters.
Guides: Professional guides are trained in first aid and are familiar with the signs of altitude sickness.
Medical Kits: Your team will carry a first aid kit and an oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
Rescue Services: In severe cases, you can be evacuated by stretcher or vehicle. Helicopter evacuation is also available in extreme emergencies.
Tipping: Tipping is customary and expected as a sign of appreciation for your guides, porters, and cook.
Travel Insurance: Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation is essential. Ensure it includes trip cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage coverage.
Guided Treks: Climbing Kilimanjaro without a registered guide is not allowed. Park authorities mandate that all trekkers be accompanied by licensed guides.
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