5-Day Kilimanjaro Hikking via Marangu Route
The Marangu, or “Coca-Cola,” route stands as Kilimanjaro’s most renowned path today. It’s the primary route featuring overnight stays in huts, making it a favorable choice for climbing during the rainy season. Beginning at the southeast of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the entry point, Marangu Gate, sits conveniently close to our base at Aishi Machame Hotel, reachable in about 90 minutes. This route boasts a well-trodden trail traversing through various ecological zones—from tropical rainforest to perpetual ice—offering stunning African vistas. Being the most popular and cost-effective, it tends to be crowded during July-September and December-March.
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟎 | 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be greeted by a our representative. They’ll escort you to Weru Weru River Lodge (https://www.weruweruriverlodge.com/) or similar accommodation. The lodge offers all the comforts for a pleasant stay: cozy rooms, hot water, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing by our managers to ensure you’re prepared for the climb.
- 𝐁𝐞𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 Note: Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
DAY 1: TREKKING FROM MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel in the morning for a quick briefing. Then, you’ll travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will trek to Mandara Hut (2,700m). The trail passes through rainforest, so bring spare clothes and raincoats. Upon reaching the camp, the support crew will handle setup and lunch. You’ll spend the night in special huts along the Marangu route. It’s your first day at altitude, so follow instructions carefully.
- 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡; 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 1,860 m to 2,700 m
- 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄: 5-7 hours 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄: 11 km
- 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐘: Medium 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓: Rainforest
DAY 2: TREKKING FROM MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut for a moderate trek to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). En route, enjoy views of Kibo and Mawenzi volcanoes. After lunch, complete an acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut before returning to Horombo Hut for dinner. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Acclimatization hikes are crucial for summit success and altitude sickness prevention.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭; 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡; 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫
- 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) — Destination point in route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m)
- 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 2.5 km
- 𝐇𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 1–2 hours
- 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
- 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄: 5-6 hours
- 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄: 10 km
- 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐘: Medium
- 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓: Moorland
DAY 3: TREKKING FROM HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
After breakfast, trek to Kibo Hut (4,700 m). It’s not a difficult trek, but maintain an appropriate pace for the summit push. After lunch, rest, avoid strenuous activity, and hydrate.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭; 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡; 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 3,720 m to 4,700 m
- 𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄: 4-8 hours
- 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄: 10 km
- 𝐃𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐘: High
- 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓: Alpine desert
DAY 4: TREKKING TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO HOROMBO HUT
Depart Kibo Hut for the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). It’s physically moderate but altitude is a challenge. Each pair of climbers will have their own guide. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend to Kibo Camp, rest, then continue to Horombo Hut. 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Most accidents occur during descent; pay attention to your feet. 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭; 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡; 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐄
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: Lodging at Weru Weru River Lodge or similar.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided during the trek.
- Transportation: Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the lodge.
- Trekking Support: Experienced guide and mountain support crew.
- Climbing Permits: Acquisition of necessary permits for Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary camping gear.
- Activities: Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut, Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, and summiting Uhuru Peak.
- Briefings: Orientation and briefing sessions conducted by tour managers.
- Safety Measures: Registration with search and rescue service, as well as guidance on altitude sickness prevention.
- Certificates: Commemorative certificates upon successful completion of the trek.
Exclusions:
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergencies.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses for additional meals, beverages, souvenirs, and optional activities.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and other staff members.
- Accommodation Beyond Itinerary: Any additional lodging required before or after the scheduled trekking dates.
- Airport Transfers: Transfers to the airport upon departure beyond the designated schedule.
- Visa Fees: Fees associated with obtaining entry visas for Tanzania, if applicable.
- Medical Expenses: Costs incurred for medical treatment or medications during the trek.
- Optional Activities: Any additional excursions or activities not specified in the itinerary.