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8 Day Marangu Route

T

he Marangu route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. It was the first established commercial route on Kilimanjaro. Unlike the other routes which require camping, the accommodations are in dormitory style sleeping huts. Marangu is considered the easiest route due to its more gradual approach. However, the ascent and descent are on the same trail, making it a more crowded and less scenic path.

DAY 1

Try to arrive at your lodge in Moshi before 3 PM the day before your climb. With prior arrangement, an airport pick-up to your lodge is available from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or simply make your own way by taxi. We will gather in the afternoon for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Drive: 45 minutes

DAY 2

We depart Moshi and ride to the Marangu Gate to complete the necessary registration formalities. The climb begins from Marangu Gate (6,000 ft). The trail then begins to climb consistently, but gently through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the blue monkey. The forest begins to thin out as we approach the first camp—Mandara Hut (8,800 ft).

U

4-5 hours · 4.3 miles elevation: +2,100 ft.

DAY 3

The morning walk is a steady ascent up through the moorland region. At this point—weather permitting—we may get to see Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. These are two of the three volcanos that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. We camp at Horombo Hut (12,200 ft) for the night.

U

6-8 hours · 5.7 miles · elevation: +3,400 ft.

DAY 4

Today is a meant for acclimatization. We will take a short day hike to the Mawenzi Ridge (14,400 ft). From there you will have unobstructed views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments in the area we will descend back down to Horombo Hut.

U

3-4 hours · 3.1 miles · elevation: +2,200 ft.

DAY 5

We cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.

U

5-6 hours · 5.5 miles ·  elevation: +1,200 ft.

DAY 6

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by headlamp around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshments, we continue the descent to Horombo Huts (12,200 ft).

U

11-15 hours ·  12.3 miles ·  elevation: +3,945 ft. gain · -7,145 ft. loss

DAY 7

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts (8,900 ft). We then continue descending through the lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu (6,000 ft), where we are transferred back to your lodge in Moshi.

U

5-6 hours · 12.4 miles ·  elevation: -6,200 ft.

DAY 8

After breakfast, we can arrange for a private transfer or taxi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Drive: 45 minutes

Route Maps

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