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5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route

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5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route

Tour Notes

  • Private Safari
  • Nairobi
  • English, French, German, Spanish
  • Return Flight
  • Transfer Vehicle
  • Included
  • Bank Transfer or Credit Card
  • Provided

About This Tour

5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route: The Easiest Way to Summit
The 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the easiest and most popular way to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers comfortable hut accommodations, ideal for first-timers or those seeking a less strenuous climb. However, it still presents challenges that climbers must prepare for.

Challenges of the 5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
The Marangu Route involves rapid ascents, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. With less time for acclimatization, it’s crucial to pace yourself and allow proper rest.

Preparation for the 5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
Though shorter, the route demands good physical condition. Proper acclimatization and training beforehand are essential for a successful climb.

Comfortable Hut Accommodations on the 5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route offers huts for rest, providing shelter and comfort during your ascent.

Key Tips for Success
Acclimatize: Adjust to the altitude to minimize sickness.
Gear Up: Wear proper clothing and cold-weather gear.
Hydrate: Stay hydrated to maintain energy.

Highlights

  • The Marangu Route, often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular and considered the easiest of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a straightforward climb with relatively comfortable accommodation in huts along the way, making it ideal for those new to high-altitude trekking. Despite its easier ascent compared to other routes, it still presents significant challenges, especially due to the rapid ascent, and has a lower success rate for climbers who are not sufficiently acclimatized. This route, while shorter, requires stamina and preparation, and climbers need to respect the mountain's high altitude to succeed.
  • Mandara Hut Stay: Enjoy the first night's stay at Mandara Hut, a comfortable wooden hut with solar lighting, providing a restful stop amidst the lush forest.
  • Moorland Landscape at Horombo Hut: Hike through rolling alpine meadows and giant heather trees, with breathtaking views and the chance to see rare plants like giant lobelia and groundsel.
  • Stunning Views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks: As you approach Kibo Hut, experience panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's two majestic peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, and the dramatic alpine desert landscape.
  • Summit Climb to Uhuru Peak: Challenge yourself on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa," where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views from the summit at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet).
  • Celebratory Descent: After reaching the summit, descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest, then continue your journey back to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive a summit certificate for your achievement.
  • Acclimatization and Scenic Views: The gradual ascent and scenic paths through different ecological zones—from lush forests to alpine deserts—provide perfect acclimatization opportunities while immersing you in Kilimanjaro’s diverse beauty.

Tour Plan

Arrival at Marangu Gate and Start of the Climb

After an early breakfast at Springlands Hotel, you'll be picked up and driven to Marangu Gate to register for your 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route. The trek begins on a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest, taking you through lush rainforest and coffee plantations.

Wildlife Spotting Along the Way

As you make your way up, look out for Black and White Colobus monkeys and various colorful bird species that inhabit the forest, adding a vibrant touch to the day's journey.

Mandara Hut: First Overnight Stay

After a 4-5 hour hike, you will reach Mandara Hut (2,740 m/9,000 ft). This group of dormitory-style wooden huts features solar-powered lighting, water, and toilets for a comfortable stay. Enjoy your first night on the mountain with a delicious dinner and a peaceful rest in preparation for the trek ahead.

Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
On the second day of your 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route, you will embark on a 6-8 hour trek along a slightly steeper trail. The landscape gradually transitions from Montane Forest to moorland vegetation, offering a fascinating change in scenery as you ascend.

Scenic Landscape and Wildlife Spotting on the Marangu Route
As you continue your trek, the terrain shifts to rolling alpine meadows, dotted with towering giant heather trees. You may even spot distinctive plants like giant lobelia and giant groundsel. The landscape transformation is dramatic and provides a unique experience of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.

Arrival at Horombo Hut on Your Kilimanjaro Climb
After a challenging day of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft), a village of huts that can accommodate up to 120 climbers. Here, you’ll have time to relax, freshen up with hot water, and enjoy a hearty meal in preparation for the climb ahead.

Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
On Day 3 of your 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route, embark on a 6-8 hour trek through heathland, transitioning into an almost lunar-like alpine desert landscape.

5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route: The Saddle Between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks
The trek will take you into the Saddle, the plateau situated between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. As you ascend, be mindful of any symptoms of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.

Rest at Kibo Hut Before Your Summit Attempt on the Marangu Route
After a challenging trek, you’ll reach Kibo Hut (4,695 m/15,400 ft). This dry-stone-walled hut provides basic facilities and serves as a crucial rest point before your summit attempt on the 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route.

Summit Ascent to Uhuru Peak
The climb to the summit is the most challenging part of your 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route. Starting just before midnight, you’ll begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft), climbing through heavy stone scree and steep switchbacks.

Stella Point: Reaching the Crater Rim on the Marangu Route
After a strenuous climb, you will reach Stella Point (5,685 m), located on the rim of the crater. From here, it's a short but tough walk to the summit at Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa."

Descent and Rest at Horombo Hut
After celebrating your success at the summit, you will begin your descent back down to Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft), where you will spend the night and rest after a long, challenging day.

Final Descent from Horombo Hut
The final day of the 5-day Kilimanjaro climb Marangu route begins with a descent from Horombo Hut (3,690 m) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m), passing through a scenic forest path. This section of the trek is typically easier than the ascent, taking around 5-7 hours.

Celebrating Your Achievement on the Marangu Route
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates as a recognition of their hard work and determination. Afterward, you will drive back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower, celebrate your success, and toast with a Kilimanjaro beer.

Inclusions

  • All park fees and necessary permits
  • Accommodation in huts along the route
  • Professional mountain guide, cook, and porters
  • Meals during the trek (3 meals a day)
  • Drinking water during the climb
  • Kilimanjaro certificates for successful climbers
  • Transport to and from Marangu Gate

Exclusions

  • International flights to and from Tanzania
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
  • Personal items (sleeping bags, trekking gear)
  • Any extra activities such as visiting local attractions
  • Personal expenses like souvenirs, drinks, or snacks outside of the provided meals

Common Questions

What is the Marangu Route?

The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.” It is considered the easiest route with hut accommodation along the way, making it more comfortable than other routes that require camping. However, it is still a challenging climb and requires good physical fitness.

How difficult is the Marangu Route?

While the Marangu Route is the easiest of the established routes, it still requires a high level of fitness and preparation. The trek involves long, strenuous days of hiking, especially on summit day. Altitude sickness is also a risk, as climbers ascend quickly and the summit is at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

What is the success rate of the Marangu Route?

The success rate on the Marangu Route is around 60-70%. While it is the easiest in terms of logistics and comfort, climbers still face challenges such as altitude sickness, which can hinder their chances of reaching the summit.

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons:

  • January to March and June to October. These months offer the most favorable weather for trekking.

What happens if I don’t make it to the summit?

Reaching the summit is not guaranteed, and safety is always the top priority. If you are not physically able to continue, our guides will ensure your safety and help you descend to a lower altitude. If you reach the summit, a certificate will be awarded at the Marangu Gate upon your return.

Is altitude sickness common?

Yes, altitude sickness is a risk on all Kilimanjaro routes, including Marangu. To minimize the risk, it is important to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and listen to your guide. Our guides are trained to recognize and respond to symptoms of altitude sickness, and proper acclimatization is part of the itinerary.

How many days do I need to acclimatize?

The Marangu route has a shorter acclimatization period compared to other routes, as the ascent is faster. However, you will still have time to adjust as the climb progresses, with two days at Horombo Hut to help acclimatize before reaching higher altitudes.

What will the food be like on the trek?

Meals during the trek are provided and include a variety of dishes to cater to climbers’ needs. Typically, breakfast includes porridge, eggs, and toast. Lunch may include sandwiches, fruits, and snacks. Dinner typically includes a soup starter, followed by a main course with rice, pasta, or potatoes, accompanied by vegetables and meat or beans.

Can I do the trek if I’m not physically fit?

While the Marangu Route is considered the easiest, it still requires good physical fitness. We recommend training in advance, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and walking or hiking to build endurance. If you’re unsure about your fitness level, consult with your doctor before booking the trek.

What is the weather like on Mount Kilimanjaro?

The weather can vary greatly depending on the altitude:

  • Base to Mandara Hut: Warm and humid (rainforest zone).
  • Horombo Hut: Cooler with occasional rain (moorland zone).
  • Kibo Hut: Cold and dry (alpine desert).
  • Summit: Extremely cold, with snow and strong winds (summit zone). Climbers need to be prepared for very cold temperatures on summit night.

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5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route
From $1,600
/ Adult

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