The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite complete with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and women’s latrines are available at the last camp but are very rudimentary.
This route is usually done in five days but it can be done in six for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Welcome to Moshi- the more quaint, laid-back of the small towns sitting at the base of the famed Mount Kilimanjaro! Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro International airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide, have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore some more, take part in informal group tour around town; visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. Moshi is a relatively small, comfortable city that has a reputation for being somewhat laidback compared to it’s sister city of Arusha so fee free to wander. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
Leave from your hotel after breakfast drive to Marangu gate to meet your guides and porters. Start your climb walking to the rain forest to Mandara hut. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
After breakfast leave the glades of forest and follow an ascending path up the Moorland to Horombo hut. Lunch will be saved at half way between Mandara and Horombo. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 140 climbers! You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi ridge, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3.4 hours up and down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! Overnight at Horombo Hut.
After breakfast we head east across the Shira Plateau and past the Shira Cathedral to Shira Camp. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is about a four-hour hike to camp. On the way we pass the first of many Giant Senecios, some of Kilimanjaro’s otherworldly massive plants.
A long, hard day! Leaving at 1:00 am for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman’s Pt. at 19,341 ft / 5,895 m . Here you will take a rest and enjoy the views at the crater rim before ascending up to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. The hiking time is 6-7 hours to the summit.
From here you descend going straight down to Kibo Hut for lunch and then on to Horombo Hut for overnight. It is a long descent and trekking poles are recommended. Congratulations, you made it to the Roof of Africa! Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Our last hike of 5-6 hours is a descent to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate you will have short ceremony with your mountain crew then say goodbye to them and enjoy a picnic lunch. The trip leaders will take you back to your hotel for a much welcome hot shower.
For those returning home, will be tranfered to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
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