Marangu in 6 days
DURATION – 6 DAYS
Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
$1650
STARTING FROM $1650 PER PERSON IN A GROUP TREK
Itinerary
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- All meals while on the Mountain
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Sleeping Mattress
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- International and domestic flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
– Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
– Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
– A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
– We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
– Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
– Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
– Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
– Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
– A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
– Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
– No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
– 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
– Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
– The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
Supplements
- Solo Supplement = USD 30
Charged for solo trekkers throughout the year. - Off-season supplement = USD 90
Charged for solo trekkers looking to start a new departure in March, April, May, and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.
Discounts
Available discounts for Marangu – 6 days
- Children between 5 years and 15 years old – USD 350 per person
- Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania – USD 210 per person
- East African Citizens – USD 820 per person
Private Trek
Please find below the prices for organizing a private trek. The prices are based on your group size.
- Solo Trekker – USD 1851 per person
- Group of 2 – USD 1721 per person
- Group of 3 – USD 1699 per person
- Group of 4 – USD 1678 per person
- Group of 5 – USD 1661 per person
- Group of 6 – USD 1658 per person
- Group of 7 – USD 1656 per person
- Group of 8 – USD 1654 per person
- Group of 9 – USD 1645 per person
- Group of 10 and above – USD 1641 per person
