MARANGU
Marangu is the original route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It's considered the easiest and the most popular route, but the success rate is also low because of the short time to acclimatize. It is the only route that offers accommodations for hikers. This route is also called the "Coca-Cola route" or "Tourist Route" because of its sleeping huts which serve the popular beverages, on the way.
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Difficulty: Low
Distance: 72 km
Duration: 5-6 days
Success rate: Low
The Climb
Marangu is considered the easiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro given its gradual slope and direct path with few steep climbs. It’s ascension profile is very gradual and steady, but don't underestimate this trek, the success rate of reaching the summit is only about 50% for the shorter 5-day itinerary making this route's acclimatization profile a mediocre. Be sure to pick a duration that allows more time for acclimatization and increase your chances of making it to the summit. The trek begins in the southeast area of the mountain and the descent is done on the same path.
The Huts
This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations if you prefer that instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. There are 4 to 20 bunk beds per room and beds are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis so you should expect to share your hut with strangers. The mattresses and pillows are provided, but the sleeping bags are still required. The small Hut villages have solar lighting, flush toilets, piped water, dining hall, cooking hut, but no showers or power outlets. Kibo Huts are located at the highest level, at the base of Kibo Peak's volcanic cone and up to 60 people can be accommodated in the dorms with the central eating area.
Scenery
The scenery is beautiful; you pass through rainforest, moorland, high-altitude desert, and an arctic summit. With the vegetation zone varying from one to the next, each hut site offers it's attraction. Mandara Hut is located at 8,875 ft and it lies deep in the rainforest, surrounded by trees and animals. Horombo Hut is located at 12,340 ft on the boundary of the moorland and alpine desert zones. You will spend an additional day here to acclimate as most people start feeling the altitude here, but during this day you'll be able to visit 'the Saddle' (the bridge of land between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks) for breathtaking views of the rainforest and the summit ahead. The Kibo Hut is located at 15,520 ft and the area is mostly dry with low humidity and little rainfall with quickly disappearing occasional snow.
ITIRENARY
Moshi
Arrive at the hotel located in the town of Moshi just a short walk to the village's market, great coffee shops, beautiful waterfalls and ancient Chagga caves. We recommend arriving a day early as it is very important to attend the meeting and not be late. You can also have some extra time to explore the local area. Meet your group and climbing crew in the evening for a briefing and gear preparation.
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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
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Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Depart Moshi for Marangu Gate before beginning our trek. Hike begins by ascending the rain forest. Before leaving this ecological zone, you'll have a chance to see blue monkeys.
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Accommodation: Mountain hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 6,046 ft - 8,858 ft
Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
A long hike ascending through a bit steeper stretch, beginning in the forest, and continuing trekking trough the moorland, a rolling alpine meadows with giant heather trees. Once out of the forest, it might be possible to take a first glance at the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
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Accommodation: Mountain hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 8,858 ft - 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Habitat: Health
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Day 3 - Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization. You can take advantage of this extra time to take a hike to Mawenzi Ridge which offers magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi and spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude. You'll be back at Horombo Hut for lunch and have the rest of the day free to rest or explore.
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Accommodation: Mountain hut (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours ascent and 1-2 hours descent
Distance: 5 km/3 miles ascent and 5 km/3 miles descent
Habitat: Health
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Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Drink plenty of water as this day will be pretty intense and long. You'll be walking for about 6 to 8 hours and trek about 10km (7 miles). The landscape gradually becomes more rugged and rocky and the air thinner. You'll cross the lunar landscape of the Saddle and reach the Kibo Hut in the afternoon. You should unroll your sleeping bag promptly as you'll be waking up around midnight for the final trek to the summit.
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Accommodation: Mountain hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 12,205 ft - 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will start the summit attempt just before midnight. This portion of the climb may be challenging as you'll be trekking at night and the wind and cold may be extreme. By dawn, you arrive near the rim at Gilman’s point, at an altitude of 18,600ft and be greeted by the most magnificent sun rise you could imagine. From here you have about 1 hr hike to the Uhuru Peak. After a short celebration, and pictures, you will start descending to Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
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Accommodation: Mountain hut (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours ascent and 4-5 hours descent
Distance: 6 km/4 miles ascent and 16km/10 miles descent
Habitat: Arctic, Health
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Day 6 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, you will descend to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and rest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
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Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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