Main Info
Besides it being the oldest route on the mountain, the Marangu route is the only route with huts in every campsite as compared to tents in the other routes. Furthermore, it is a historical route for it is the route that was used for the first summit in 1889 by the German Hans Meyer and the first Kilimanjaro guide named Yohanes Lauwo. It was nicknamed coca cola route because except for the summit night it is not as challenging as the other routes. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic. It is also worth noting that sightings of the mountain from this route are not as spectacular as compared to the western routes.
*This is a Luxury package based on 2 pax per person sharing with an option for an upgrade to a VIP package or downgrade to a Standard package. Pricing per person also gets farer the more you are in a group. Kindly get in touch with us for a customized package*
Trek Highlights:
- Afromontane forest
- Mawenzi
- Glacial valleys and alpine desert
- Ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit
- Glaciers
- The roof of Africa
Itinerary
Download BrochureIn the morning you are met by your guides and transferred to the Marangu gate to complete formalities before setting off on your Kilimanjaro hike. A picnic lunch is served en route in the afternoon, before arriving at the Mandara Hut. A short walk can be taken to Maundi crater later in the afternoon. Overnight Mandara Hut - Alt2,745m / 9,006ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 6,463ft | |
Maximum altitude | 9,006ft | |
End altitude | 9,006ft | |
Vertical gain | 2,543ft | |
Drop | 0ft | |
Miles | 5 | |
Kilometers | 8.0 | |
Hike time (approx) | 5 hours |
After breakfast, you set out to Horombo hut. The altitude gain on this day is significant and so a gentle pace is ideal to slowly gain altitude. By midafternoon you will arrive at your camp allowing time for relaxation. You will have an extra night at Horombo campsite to allow for acclimatization and adjustment to the altitude. Overnight Horombo Hut - Alt3,706m / 12,159ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 9,006ft | |
Maximum altitude | 12,159ft | |
End altitude | 12,159ft | |
Vertical gain | 3,153ft | |
Drop | 0ft | |
Miles | 7 | |
Kilometers | 11.3 | |
Hike time (approx) | 8 hours |
This is an essential day for acclimatization to prepare you for the tougher journey ahead. To improve your acclimatization, you head out for the day on a hike to higher altitude which takes you towards the Mawenzi volcano. Subject to the prevailing weather conditions, mid-way views of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo are spectacular. Behind you, the deeply eroded Mawenzi peak is linked forever by the glacially smoothed saddle to Kibo, the main peak. The younger Mawenzi has been continually eroded for at least 400,000 years whilst Kibo has continued to grow and remains dormant to this day. In the afternoon you return to Horombo hut to relax. Overnight Horombo hut - Alt 3,706m / 12,159ft (full board).
You start off early to the final hut before the summit attempt. Your crew ensure that water is collected at the last water point whilst you progress slowly up onto the saddle. On these lands, the desolate alpine zone stretches out towards the base of Kibo. Progress is slow in this hypoxic (low oxygen) environment but by midafternoon you will have arrived at the Kibo allowing for a decent relaxation before the evening ascent. A relatively early dinner is taken and then you climb into your sleeping bags for some rest before your nighttime departure for the summit. Overnight Kibo Hut (Alt 4,700m / 15,420ft (full board).
Route Details
Start altitude | 12,159ft | |
Maximum altitude | 15,420ft | |
End altitude | 15,420ft | |
Vertical gain | 3,621ft | |
Drop | 0ft | |
Miles | 6 | |
Kilometers | 9.7 | |
Hike time (approx) | 8 hours |
Rising early, for the most part before midnight, you start out from Kibo hut towards the peak. At nighttime, the scree sections are generally much firmer, and the nighttime start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s point and then a further 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak -Alt 5985m / 19,341ft; the highest free-standing point in the world and the highest point in Africa. You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo hut for a food refuel and rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo hut for dinner and overnight. Overnight Horombo Hut - Alt 3,706m,12,159ft (full board).
Route Details (Kibo hut – Summit – Kibo Hut)
Start altitude | 15,420ft | |
Maximum altitude | 19,341ft | |
End altitude | 15,420ft | |
Vertical gain | 3,921ft | |
Drop | 3,921ft | |
Miles | 8 | |
Kilometers | 12.9 | |
Hike time (approx) | 11 hour |
Route Details (Kibo Hut – Horombo Hut)
Start altitude | 15,420ft | |
Maximum altitude | 15,420ft | |
End altitude | 12,159ft | |
Vertical gain | 0ft | |
Drop | 3,261ft | |
Miles | 6 | |
Kilometers | 9.3 | |
Hike time (approx) | 5 hours |
The final descend takes you back through the heath zone and forest to the Marangu gate. Here you are met by your driver and transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner.
Route Details
Start altitude | 12,159ft | |
Maximum altitude | 12,159ft | |
End altitude | 6,463ft | |
Vertical gain | 0ft | |
Drop | 5,696ft | |
Miles | 12 | |
Kilometers | 18.5 | |
Hike time (approx) | 6 hours |