Bucketlist Travel Adventures
Unforgettable Summit Sunrise
The Oldest Route on Kilimanjaro
Fitness level: Able to hike 5-7km at a time
Trek Begins & Ends in Moshi, Tanzania
Maximum Altitude: 5,895m/19,341ft
Experience the Climb on One of the Best Kilimanjaro Tour Routes
The Marangu Route is considered to be one of the easier paths to the summit, given its gradual slope and direct path. Our expert guides will ensure everything goes smoothly from top to bottom while you enjoy the challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro. Being only 6 days long, it can be slightly more challenging to acclimatize because the paths are more direct than others.
Important Details
Price
$2,400 USD
Meeting point
We’ll pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. You will then stay overnight and in the morning, we’ll drive to the gate where we will start our Kilimanjaro trek. Please note: the hotel and transfers are included in the price.
Availability
January through mid-March
Mid-June through October
December
Duration
6 days, 5 nights + 2 days at hotel
Group size
2 min. – 12 max.
Included
- Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
- Breakfast before and after the climb
- All meals and water on the mountain
- All park fees and taxes
- Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
- Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
- Sleeping mat
- Private toilet tent
- Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
- Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Not included
- Airfare to and from Tanzania
- Personal travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips for the support team
- Sleeping bags and other personal gear
- Rental gear
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Drinks and snacks
Gear list
- Top thermal layer
- Bottom thermal layer
- 1-2 pairs of hiking pants
- 1 hardshell jacket
- 1-2 short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 pair of warm trekking pants
- 1-2 long-sleeved hiking shirts
- 1 softshell insulated winter jacket
- 4-5 pairs of underwear
- 1 cozy fleece jacket
- 1 pair of worn-in sturdy hiking boots
- 3-4 pairs of socks. Merino wool is recommended
- Rain coat
- Rain pants
- Day backpack
- Duffel bag (recommended size 90L)
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Snacks
Meals
On all of our Kilimanjaro tours, all of our meals are freshly prepared on the mountain by our talented chef, so when we arrive to camp after a long day of hiking, we have a delicious hot meal waiting for us.
Please note: we can accommodate any dietary needs, so please let us know what your meal requirements are and we will be sure to have our chef whip you up something yummy!
About your guide
All of our guides have extensive experience and training, certification, and knowledge of the area and all of the routes. You’ll be in great hands from top to bottom and by the end of the trip, you’ll be sad to say goodbye!
Depending on the number of hikers, there will be generally 1 guide for every 2 people and 3 porters per person.
Highlights
What Sets This Route Apart
Explore the southeast side of Mt. Kilimanjaro
The only route with dormitory-style sleeping huts!
Called the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the oldest route on the mountain
It is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path
Itinerary
6-Day Marangu Route
DAY 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,842m/6,046 ft to 2,700m/8,858ft
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then winds its way along the beautiful hillsides until we reach the Mandara Hut.
DAY 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m/8,858ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast, we’ll begin today’s trek through the forest until we reach the moorlands. We may get our first views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
DAY 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,390m/14,400ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,390m/14,400ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 1-2 hrs
Habitat: Heath
This day is specifically designed for acclimatization. We’ll enjoy a pleasant hike to the Mawenzi Ridge which offers expansive views over Kibo and Mawenzi. After enjoying a few moments exploring the area, we’ll then head back to Horombo Hut.
DAY 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,700m/15,430ft
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today is a 10km walk but it’s gradual. We’ll cross over the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before we reach the Kibo Hut. The camp sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall and once we get there, we’ll enjoy an early dinner before preparing for the summit push.
DAY 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 34,700m/15,430ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 6km/4 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,730m/12,250ft
Distance: 16km/10 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), you’ll be gently woken up with a hot cup of tea and a snack before we begin our final push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
While taking short, frequent breaks, we’ll be walking in darkness for several hours. Once we reach Gilman’s Point, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Tanzania and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,730m/12,250ft to 1,842m/6,046ft
Distance: 20km/12 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we’ll have a long, steady trek down through the tropical forest. Please note that this section can be wet and slippery and another reason why trekking poles can be helpful! Our driver will be waiting to meet us here and transport us back to the hotel in Moshi where we will collect our summit certificates and enjoy a well-earned, local Kilimanjaro beer.
