Marangu Route is the most popular, least difficult and the shortest way to Uhuru Peak. This route is also called the Tourist Route or the Coca Cola Route. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route is fairly easy but the final part to the summit is still difficult. Although this rout is the easiest, it has the highest failure rate due to bad preparation. It is advised to take this route seriously enough, to be well organized and to take all possible safety measures.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.
Take a short drive from Arusha town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well.
- 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m
- 7 km
- 4-5 hours
- Montane Forest
- Meals: L, D
- Budget Lodging: Mandara Hut
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.
- 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
- 11 km
- 6-8 hours
- Heathland
- Meals: B, L, D
- Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut]
- 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
- 10 km
- 6-8 hours
- Alpine Desert
- Meals: B, L, D
- Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut
Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night.
- 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m
- 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
- 4 km up / 14 km down
- 10-15 hours
- Alpine Desert
- Meals: B, L, D
- Budget Lodging: Horombo Camp
Horombo Hut – Arusha
After breakfast,we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Arusha town. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
- 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
- 18km
- 5-7 hours
- Meals: B
Includes
- All nights’ accommodation in tents.
- Professional, experienced, mountain.
- All Park fees and Rescue fees.
- All meals while on the Mountain.
- Arrival and Departure transfers.
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
- Clean, purified drinking water.
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
Excludes
- International and Local Flights.
- Optional activities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks. )
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance