“Climb the Marangu Route of Mount Kilimanjaro”
8 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trekking Tour in Tanzania
Springlands Hotel, 1990, Moshi 25110, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trekking Tour in Tanzania
Reach for the stars on this epic adventure to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, dubbed the “Coca-Cola route”. Enjoy spectacular views of varied landscapes and breathtaking sunrises on this high-success trek to the top of Africa – literally! Rest in comfortable huts with the unique luxury of running water and cooked meals, and be fully fueled for your challenging commitment to check of a true bucket-list experience!
Highlights
- Beginner-friendly with a high success rate to Uhuru Peak
- Comfortable huts with convenient amenities
- Stunning views and deep cultural insights of Tanzania
- Tailored support from qualified mountain guides
- Proud members of Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society
- 7 nights accommodation + meals
- Airport transfers
Skill level
- Intermediate
8 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 100 participants
Airport transfer included:
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Accommodation
You will be accommodated at the following:
- Springlands Hotel (first and last night)
- Mandara Hut (second night)
- Horombo Hut (third, fourth, and sixth night)
- Kibo Hut (fifth night)
Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel is a well-established hotel in the town of Moshi, situated at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It serves as a popular accommodation choice for trekkers and travelers heading to Kilimanjaro and other nearby attractions. The hotel typically offers a range of rooms, dining options, and amenities to cater to the needs of visitors. It's often chosen as a starting point or base for those embarking on treks to Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Springlands Hotel in Moshi, 29 km from Kilimanjaro, offers accommodation with amenities like an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, a bar, 24-hour reception, and free WiFi. Continental or à la carte breakfast is served at the hotel. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, satellite TV, a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with all essentials, including a kettle. Enjoy a hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Huts
The majority of the comfortable huts are equipped with bathrooms with running water, although there are exceptions. Evening meals are served by dedicated cooks, keeping you well-fed and energized to support your journey ahead. Enjoy basic and functional – and relatively luxurious – amenities set against the backdrop of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes.
Program
Your accessible path to the summit of Kilimanjaro
To climb the Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route is a great option for those who want to climb Kilimanjaro without extensive mountaineering experience and who want to experience the beauty and culture of Tanzania.The Coca-cola route has a high success rate, you stay in huts, and the trek is “easier” than the other routes. They recommend that you take an acclimatization day to increase your chances. They have hand-picked our qualified mountain guides and will adjust the trek for you so that you can make the summit. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The beginner-friendly journey via Marangu Route
The Kilimanjaro Marangu route is one of Tanzania’s most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route due to the availability of Coca-Cola products along the way. The Marangu route is one of the oldest routes up Kilimanjaro and is well-established, with clear paths and comfortable huts for accommodation. Compared to some of the other routes up Kilimanjaro such as Lemosho and Machame, the Marangu route is considered a moderate difficulty trek. This means that you do not need extensive mountaineering experience to climb it. This trek offers scenic views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, including lush rainforests, volcanic rocks, and glaciers. The Kilimanjaro Marangu route offers a chance to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, which is a great accomplishment and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport - Moshi - Springlands Hotel
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or similar overnight.
Day 2: Moshi - Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut
- Altitude: 1,800 m - 2,720 m
- Hiking time: 4 hours
Leave Springlands Hotel at about 8:00 a.m. and drive 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate, such as registrations. Begin hiking at about 10:30 a.m. Hike through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut, which takes about 4 hours. Stop halfway for lunch. Reach the Mandara Huts at about 2 or 3 p.m. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during the early evening, at about 7 p.m. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings and the views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Day 3: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
- Altitude: 2,720 m - 3,720 m
- Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
Wake up for breakfast (approx. 7:30 a.m.) and pack for the next leg. Break camp at about 8:30 am and hike to Horombo Hut. This leg should take 5 to 6 hrs. You travel through lower-heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts at about 3 p.m. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (acclimatization day)
This day you will have an extra day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for acclimatization. It will be great training for your body to get used to the altitude as you walk around the hut up to zebra rocks at an altitude of 4,100 m and back. You will get spectacular views and familiarize yourself with summit weather. You will overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
- Altitude: 3,720 m - 4,720 m
- Hiking time: 6 - 7 hours
Wake up for breakfast as usual (if you wake before sun-up, you can get some great sunrise photos). Pack and begin the hike to Kibo Huts. The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heath land, while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. The day’s hike should take 6 to 7 hours, stopping halfway for lunch. There is no running water at Kibo Huts.
Day 6: Kibo Hut - Summit - Horombo Hut
- Altitude: 4,720 m - 5,895 m
- Hiking time: 7 hours
Wake up to a light breakfast at around midnight, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out in the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 a.m. and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 a.m. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to UhuruPeak at about 8:30 a.m. From there, you will descend back to Kibo Huts, collect your things, and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts, where you will spend the night. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.
Day 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate - Springlands Hotel
Wake, as usual, pack, and descend to Mandara Huts. Have your lunch there and continue to the park gate, where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 2 or 3 p.m. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, overnight in Springlands Hotel. It is recommended to tip guides and porters. This is highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the main guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,759 m) are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) receive gold certificates.
Day 8: Moshi - Kilimanjaro Airport
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. Zanzibar is a great trip to take after a hard climb. Other trips around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region can be arranged at a reasonable price.
Equipment
You don’t need to own your own specialist mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment that you may need in Tanzania. But bringing your own clothes, well-worn-in boots, and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid supplies, 3 liters of water, and snacks. Your packing list should include warm clothes (fleece, wind, and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headlamp. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from World Adventure Tours.
Skill levels
You do not need to train before your climb. But, any previous experience or practice will help you increase your chance of making the top. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are, the more you are likely to enjoy it. It’s best to start your training at least three to six months before your planned climb. You can begin by incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, such as jogging, hiking, or cycling, to improve your cardiovascular fitness and build endurance. You should also focus on strength training exercises that target your core, legs, and upper body, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. Strengthening these muscle groups will help you cope with the uphill climbs, rocky terrain, and long days of hiking.
Daily hiking
The number of hours per day you can expect to walk when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose and your individual pace. The Marangu route is the shortest route, with an average walking time of 4 to 6 hours per day. The walking hours are shorter due to the route’s faster ascent profile, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition caused by exposure to high altitudes with low oxygen levels. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level, and can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary in severity but generally include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, altitude sickness can progress to more serious conditions, such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening. Suppose someone at some point is not able to continue the route. In that case, our mountain guides will accompany you down or off the mountain on a stretcher, by vehicle, or by air evacuation, depending on the urgency of the problem. Always inform the guides of your condition.
To avoid altitude sickness when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to take the following precautions:
- Gradual ascent: Choose a route with a gradual ascent profile which allows for proper acclimatization. Ascend slowly, taking enough time to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Avoid climbing too quickly or spending too much time at high altitudes.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to stay hydrated and help your body cope with the altitude. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other diuretics, as they can dehydrate you and increase the risk of AMS.
- Proper nutrition: Eat a balanced diet, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, to provide your body with the energy it needs to cope with the physical demands of the climb.
- Medication: Consider taking medication, such as acetazolamide, under the guidance of a doctor to help prevent AMS.
- Rest and recovery: Take breaks and rest when needed, especially if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. Descend to lower altitudes, if necessary, to allow your body to recover.
Location
Kilimanjaro adventure via Marangu Route
The Maragnou Route, or the “Coca-cola Route, to the summit of Kilimanjaro offers a perfectly balanced blend of adventure and comfort with its mix of gradual altitude increases and relative luxury of huts with running water – in most cases. These are boxes that checks off a journey with a high success rate, all while being a rewarding challenge that will leave you with the memory of every step being worth all the breathtaking views and self-developing experiences it will carry!
Climbing solo? Don’t worry, all travelers have the option to choose between a private climb or to be placed in a group with other climbers. Solo adventurers looking to join a group will be well taken care of, ensuring they can share the experience with other trekkers.
A glimpse of the itinerary
After your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted with a warm welcome at Springlands Hotel for a good night’s rest before the journey sets off! The trek officially starts at the Marangu Gate, and through lushy rainforests you will reach Mandara Hut where it’s time to recharge for tomorrow’s adventure of unique alpine deserts and stunning vistas. Next awaits the ascend to Horombo hut, where you’ll be able to spend an optional extra acclimatization day – for better adaption to the altitude and increasing your chances of a successful summit.
Crossing unbelievable landscapes you’ll wander ahead towards Kibo hut – preparing you for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. The reward is the sun rising above Africa as the continent awakens, a completely unforgettable moment! The descent brings you back to Horombo Hut, and eventually Springlands Hotel where the comforts of a hot shower and the celebration of your achievement await.
Sprinkle some safari or Zanzibar perfection on it
After conquering such a demanding challenge, why not reward yourself with a brief custom safari adventure of choice, or a relaxing beach holiday by crystal-clear waters in the outstanding Zanzibar as the cherry on top? The seamless travel packages are made with endless of opportunities to combine exactly as you please – allowing you to craft your own African destiny with World Adventure Tours. The sky is the limit with World Adventure Tours!
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Hallal
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Lake Chala canoeing (131.25 USD)
- Materuni waterfalls and coffee plantation (120 USD)
Spa treatments
- Spa treatments are available at an extra cost
What's included
- 2 nights accommodation in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis (first and last nights) + 5 nights hut accommodation during the trek
- Airport transfers
- All park fees
- National park approved guides and porters
- Meals on the mountain
- Transport from Moshi at Springlands Hotel to the starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi at Springlands Hotel
What's not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visas
- Tips to drivers, porters, and guides
- Health insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes, etc.
How to get there
Recommended Airports
JRO
Kilimanjaro International Airport
30 km
Transfer included
Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport transfer included: Kilimanjaro International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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