Description

Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the premier trail to the summit, and the only route with fixed bunkhouses in every camp.

Marangu route is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru summit compared to other routes and is recommended for first-time climbers. The route is characterized by moderate trekking from the start to the Kibo Huts, but after the Kibo hut to the summit, the trek is physically demanding. Christened as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its popularity and that drinks are for sale in the huts.

Marangu route is also the only route offering comfortable sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The bunkhouses are shared by all climbers and have a sponge mattress and pillows. There are washrooms with running water at the first two huts and basic washrooms are the last huts. Meals are served in shared common dining at each camp where you can mingle around and make some stories. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer were initially available for sale at the huts and prices increase as you hike up. Due to poor waste management and plastic disposal rule, the shops were closed.   

Day 1: Nairobi – Moshi.

We pick you up from your hotel to join a shuttle to Moshi via Namanga and Arusha. Lunch will be sourced en route to Arusha. Arrival in Moshi town will be late afternoon. Check-in at our hotel overnight. We will gather in the evening at 18:00hrs for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Accommodation in a town hotel.        Meal plan: Dinner, Breakfast.

Day 2: Marangu Gate 1,860m to Mandara hut 2,700.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,840 m). After registration has been completed, your trek can begin hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2670 m).

Accommodation: Mandara Huts.        Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Mandara Hut 2,700m to Horombo Hut 3,700m.

The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you leave Mandara Hut, you will reach the tree line where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at an altitude of about 3,720 meters. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak, and the Masai Steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.

Accommodation: Horombo Huts.     Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Horombo Hut 3,700m to Kibo Hut 4,700m.

Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “saddle” after the“last water point”. This is an almost plant-less plateau that links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Our destination Kibo hut will be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Dinner will be served early to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 hours.

Accommodation: Kibo Huts.         Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Kibo Hut 4,700m ascent to Uhuru Peak 5,895m descent to Horombo Hut 3,700m.

Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. We start ascent in the middle of the night, when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb is slow, steadily but surely going upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. You will feel and appreciate being on and standing on the “Roof of Africa”.

DESCENT

The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allowed for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2-hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.

Accommodation: Horombo Huts.           Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Horombo Hut 3,700m to Marangu Gate 1,860m.

The final hike of your wonderful Marangu route trekking begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. The moderate descent through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the same Marangu gate 1,860m where you will meet a transferring driver. At the gate you will sign out and obtain your Kilimanjaro certificate then you will drive back to Moshi where you will have a long and warm shower after a tiring mountain. The rest of the day is free to rest while enjoying your glass of wine, relaxing at the pool or celebrating your achievement.

Accommodation: a town hotel.       Meal plan: Dinner, Breakfast

Day 7: Moshi –  Nairobi

Breakfast is served early before being picked up by 6:30 am and transferred to the shuttle terminus for Nairobi bound. Expected to arrive in Nairobi at 4:00 pm.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Picnic lunch

What to bring:

Mountains have their own climate on account of their height. Rain clouds can appear without warning and be gone hours later. An early morning frost is possible at any time of the year and guests should bring a fleece and light rain jacket, although during the heat of the day shorts and T-shirts should suffice.

Sleeping bag; one rated four (4) season is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large there will be more cool air for the body to warm

• • • Rain Trouser
    • Rain Jacket [Poncho]
    • Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
    • Warm Clothes down jacket
    • Thermal underwear
    • Fleece Jacket
    • Hiking Boots
    • Gloves
    • Walking Sticks
    • Head Torch
    • Sunglasses
    • First Aid box
    • Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
    • Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]

1. 1. 3. Optional comfort accessories;

Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag

Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather

4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}

5: Personal travel/ medical insurance

Options are of course many and varied and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.