6 Days: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Marangu Route)
Overview
The Marangu Route is one of several popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The Marangu Route is often considered the easiest and most straightforward route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. However, it’s important to note that climbing any route on Kilimanjaro requires physical fitness, mental endurance, and acclimatization to the altitude. It’s commonly referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” because it offers sleeping huts with basic amenities along the way. The Marangu Route is known for its scenic beauty. The trail passes through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert landscapes as you ascend towards the summit. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially at sunrise. Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route offers accommodation in shared mountain huts rather than camping. These huts have bunk beds, dining areas, and basic restroom facilities.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
DAY 1: MOSHI TO MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
On the first day of the climb, you will drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate, where you will complete the necessary paperwork and meet your guides and porters. The trekking starts at the gate and takes you through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut at an altitude of about 2,700 meters (8,858 feet). The hike usually takes around 4-6 hours.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
You will continue your journey through the rainforest, entering the heather and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper, and you will trek for about 5-7 hours to reach Horombo Hut, situated at approximately 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) above sea level.
DAY 3: ACCLIMATIZATION AT HOROMBO HUT
This day is dedicated to acclimatization. It’s crucial to allow your body to adjust to the altitude to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. You will spend the day at Horombo Hut, and you may take short hikes in the area to gain altitude and then descend back to sleep at the same elevation. This process helps your body adjust to the changing conditions.
DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
After breakfast, you will resume your climb. The trail takes you through the alpine desert, which has a barren and rocky landscape. You will trek for about 6-8 hours to reach Kibo Hut at an elevation of around 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). This is the last stop before your summit attempt.
DAY 5: SUMMIT DAY-KIBO HUT-UHURU PEAK, THEN DESCEND TO HOROMBO HUT
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the climb. You will start your ascent in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), before sunrise. The climb can take around 6-8 hours to reach the summit. After spending some time at the peak and enjoying the breathtaking views, you will descend all the way back to Horombo Hut, which typically takes around 10-12 hours.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE AND DEPARTURE
On the last day of the trek, you will descend from Horombo Hut to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will sign out and receive your summit certificates. From there, you will be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest, celebration, and departure.