Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route
6
Days Tanzania Safari
Safari Overview
Marangu route also known as the “Coca-Cola route” is by far the most popular route to the summit Africa’s rooftop Mt Kilimanjaro. The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatization period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day which greatly increasing your chances of success. Marangu route accommodation is in mountain huts this makes the big main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. The Marangu route advantage is ideal for those hikers who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths. It’s also attractive for those hikers who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu’s huts offer shelter and warmth against the weather so it is a great choice when climbing during the heavy rainy season. it’s also less steep making it less strangle for hikers who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind being in crowds. Total hiking distance: Approximately 96 kms (excludes acclimatization hikes on day three). For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatization day at Horombo hut – day 3 on the itinerary below.
6
Days / 5 Nights
Safari in Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro
DAY 1
Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Mandara Hut
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting.
DAY 2
Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame village (1490m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at Machame campsite.
DAY 3
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Horombo Hut
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.
DAY 4
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Kibo Hut
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).
DAY 5
Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
At Kilimanjaro Horombo Hut
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, u will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak.
DAY 6
Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) - Arusha.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, u will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Arusha
Mountain Hut Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Basic I Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Basic II Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Budget Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Standard Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Midrange Accommodation
Mountain Hut + 2Nights Luxury Accommodation
The Tour Price Includes
- Hut accommodation, no camping
- Filtered water throughout the trek.
- Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils.
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate.
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit.
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters.
- Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- Pick up and drop off at Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Accommodation and meals per the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on day 1-5 and breakfast & Lunch on day 6 of your trip.
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
- All Park fees, Rescue fees, Huts fees, and 18% VAT on tour fees and service which cost nearly 60% of the total cost.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
- Luggage allowance for your main bag that will be carried by a porter, up to max. 15 kg. To make the porter’s life easier, we however strongly recommend to limit the weight of your main bag to 12 kg. For all bags exceeding 15 kg, you will need to pay for an extra porter before the start of your climb. All extra luggage, items you will not use on your climb, such safari clothing, gear and equipment, can also be safely stored at the hotel.
The Tour Price Excludes
- Meals not listed above. eg Dinner on the last day.
- International and domestic flights and departure taxes (Quoted separately where applicable)
- Tanzania Visa cost which is 50% except for Canadian and USA passport holders which is US$100.
- Pre and Post Accommodation in Arusha / Moshi, before and the next day after trek (Can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Optional Tours (short safari/tour after your climb can be arranged upon request at an extra cost).
- Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)
- Mountain gears + Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking).
- Inoculations and personal insurance (e.g. Tanzania Visa, Travel, Medical and Baggage insurance, A doctor for the group, Laundry, Souvenirs, Telephone, Beverages (available to purchase) and all other services that are not mentioned as included.
- Tips for the crew, which are mandatory on Kilimanjaro. The minimum amount is 15 USD per day per guide, 10 USD per cook per day and 10 USD per porter per day. We however strongly recommend a more correct tip of 25 USD per guide per day, 15 USD per cook per day and 15 USD per porter per day. All these amounts are to be divided by all group members.
- Holiday Surcharge : A supplement of US $ 40.00 per person per day will apply to all bookings on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31 December and 1st January
- A supplement of US $ 35.00 per person will apply to all bookings between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th April (for all 4 days) as Easter holiday surcharge.
