Marangu Route
One of the easier routes, the Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca-Cola Route" due to its popularity. Starting from Marangu Village at the base of the mountain, this beautiful route provides climbers with the comfort of accommodation in huts. This route is one of the less technical ones, and has the option of a 5 or 6 day itinerary.
| Day | Destination | Elevation (maximum) |
Distance | Hiking Time | Vegetation Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mandara Hut | 2700m | 8km | 4-5 hours | Rainforest |
| Day 2 | Horombo Hut | 3700m | 11km | 5-6 hours | Heath & moorland |
| Day 3 | Kibo Hut | 4750m | 7km | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert |
| Day 4 | Horombo Hut | 3700m (5895m) |
22km | 13-14 hours | Arctic zone, heath & moorland |
| Day 5 | Marangu Gate | 1800m | 18km | 5-6 hours | Rainforest |
DETAILED INTENARY
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport -> Moshi Town
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) you will meet a Mariga Adventures representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi Town. You will meet the Mariga Adventures manager and your Kilimanjaro guides for a pre-trek briefing. Depending on your arrival time, this will be in the afternoon, evening or the following morning.
Day 2: Moshi Town -> Marangu Gate -> Mandara Hut
After breakfast around 8:30am, we will pick you up and drive to Marangu gate. On the way will pass the local market and Marangu village, nearby to Kilimanjaro National Park and located at the base of the mountain. When you reach the gate you will complete your registration and start the hike to Mandara hut, hiking through the rainforest. After you arrive to Mandara hut you will have snacks, cup of tea, water for washing and dinner. Finally, you will plan for the next day with your Kilimanjaro guide.
Day 3: Mandara Hut -> Horombo Hut
Today you will be walking in heath and moorland vegetation zones to the Horombo hut, observing a variety of plants and animals along the way. Upon arrival, you will experiene the same service as in Mandara Hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut -> Kibo Hut
Soon after breakfast, you will start hiking towards Kibo Hut at the base camp. The start of the hike takes you through moorland until you reach the saddle, which is in the desert area. You will arrive at Kibo hut in time for lunch. You will have an early dinner and go to sleep early, wake up time is midnight!
Day 5: Kibo Hut -> Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
To avoid too much time walking in the heat of the day, you will start walking to the summit at midnight. You
will be climbing for 7 hours, gaining a lot of elevation over a short distance. You should arrive at the crater rim at
Gilimans Point as the first rays of sun emerge. The views are spectacular, with ice cliffs surrounding you, and a
view of Mawenzi Peak.
After walking another 30 minutes you will reach Uhuru Peak - the top of Africa! You made it! Then descend down
the same route to Kibo hut for lunch, and onwards to Horombo Hut for dinner and sleep.
Day 6: Horombo Hut -> Marangu Gate
After an early breakfast, you will hike towards Marangu gate. Descending down the trail through moorland, followed by rainforest. When you arrive at the Marangu Gate, you will sign out of the national park. A car will take you back to Moshi Town to the Mariga Adventures office and finally to your hotel.
Day 7: Next Adventure
Continue with your journey. Take a rest in Moshi town, head to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight. Or perhaps you would like to join Mariga Adventures on one of our wildlife safaris.
PRICING
1 pax = $2000
2 - 4 pax = $1795 pp
5 - 7 pax = $1695 pp
8 - 10 pax = $1645 pp
11 - 13 pax = $1580 pp
14+ = $1380 pp
Recommended Tipping Guide
Tipping is customary for all members of your crew when climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Although they receve a fair wage they rely on tips for a total fair compensation as set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project's Partners for Responsible Travel.
Lead guide: $20 per day (×5 = $100)
Assistant guide: $20 per day (×5 = $100)
Cook: $15 per day (×5 = $75)
Special Porter, waiters and summit porters: $10 per day (×5 = $50)
Porter: $8 per day (×5 = $40)
The standard crew for an expedition of 2-4 clients is:
1 leading guide
1 assistant guide
1 cook
2-3 special porters
Average of 4-6 porter per client for the trek.
Therefore the total tipping recommended amount per client for the trek package range $535 - $665,
depending on the trekking package and trekking group.