6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Marangu Route

6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Marangu Route

The Marangu route nicknamed “Coca Cola Route” begins in the eastern side of the mountain. It is the easiest of the Kilimanjaro routes (with about 29% of climbers taking this route every year) but needs at least 5 days to attempt the summit successfully. Unlike other routes such as Machame and Lemosho route, when taking Marangu route, climbers stay overnight in permanent huts and the trail is hardened and well built – there are no any sections that require any scrambling! However, the summit night is extremely challenging on the way up with 5 – 7 hour midnight hike especially at the steep slope past Gilman’s Point (5,681 m/ 18,638 ft)! An extra acclimatization day is recommended at Horombo Hut Valley for newbies to provide more rest before heading to the Base Camp ready to face the final challenge!

MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS ITINERARY 

Day 1: Moshi to Marangu gate to Mandara huts

You will be transferred to Marangu gate from the hotel and do a registration at the gate. Afterwards, you will begin trekking though the rainforest to Mandara hut. Here you will have an acclimatization opportunity of visiting Mound Crater. Dinner and overnight at Mandara hut.

Day 2: Mandara huts to Horombo huts

After breakfast you will out climb the rainforest and continue trekking to Horombo hut where you will trek through rolling moorlands and get your fist clear view of towering Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Horombo hut

(This day is omitted if choosing a 5 day itinerary)

Spend an extra day here at Horombo during the 6 day itinerary for acclimatization purposes.This would absolutely be a leisure day for you. Just hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rock for high altitude practice and then return back to Horombo hut for lunch. No work:  rest until dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Horombo huts to Kibo huts

After the breakfast you trek past the last water point to reach Kibo saddle -a great desert between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and overnight at Kibo hut.

Day 5: Summit Day, Kibo huts camp to Uhuru peak to Horombo huts camp

Wake at midnight for a light breakfast then prepare for your summit ascent. As you know that you have to trek in the darkness, so carry your headlamp/ flashlight with you. Pack your warm clothes to make yourself comfortable on the summit. As it would be too cold. Remember, your aim is to reach Uhuru peak shortly before or after sunrise to watch the great sight of the sunrise. Yet don’t get hurried. Trek slowly through steep scree or possibly snow. This s the most difficult part of your climb and always try to reach at the Gilman’s point latest by 4-6 Am. At this point you will have a view of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. It is because, after that you would have to take another 2 hours trek to reach at Uhuru. Stay for a short period there at Uhuru for photography and start descending to Kibo huts, to have lunch, rest and collect your equipments and continue down trough re-cross the saddle to the Horombo huts. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.

Day 6: Horombo huts camp to Marangu gate to Moshi

After a long sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara huts. Here you will have lunch then proceed trough lush forest to Marangu gate. After the gate sign out, a vehicle will take you back Moshi at the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation and celebration!