kilimanjaro Treks (Marangu Route)

kilimanjaro Treks (Marangu Route)

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with Lauwo Adventures along the Marangu Route.

Affectionately known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route due to its popularity, the Marangu route is the oldest, most well established route.

Marangu is is the only route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations as well as camping.

The Marangu Route covers rainforests, moorlands and high altitude desert. As it is the quickest trek to the summit, it is quite challenging.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate 1,800m to Mandara Hut 2,743m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Depart Moshi/Arusha at 8am for Marangu Gate.
Today your expedition with Lauwo Adventures Kilimanjaro, really begins.

The drive will take you through Marangu village to the entrance point at Marangu Gate for registration and introduction to your guidesHere you’ll need to be registered. Please ensure you have your passport number ready.

Your guide Henry Lauwo will select his entire climbing team who will carry all the equipment and your bags up the mountain.

After completing gate registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek.
The hiking trail begins by ascending through a beautiful tropical rainforest.
Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point where you will enjoy a picnic lunch.. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut.
Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort.
Mandara Huts have beds with mattresses.

Elevation Gain: 915 meters

Distance: 8 kms
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut 2,743m to Horombo Hut 3,720m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After breakfast, we will leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants.
Lunch will be at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut.
If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, 2 of the 3 volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro.

The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing.

Elevation Gain: 977 m

Distance: 12 kms
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut 3,720m to Mawenzi Hut 4,600m to Horombo Hut 3,720m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
Day three is an acclimatization day.

We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Ridge to allow for maximum acclimatization.

The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Return to Horombo for a late lunch then spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.

Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut 3,720m to Kibo Hut 4,750m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After a hearty breakfast, we leave Horombo Hut to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. You will come across a stretch of land covered with dendrosenecio Kilimanjaro, the unmistakably-shaped signature trees of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear.

We take a lunch break at Middle Red Hill then continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle.

Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your magnificent midnight climb.

Elevation Gain: 1,030 m

Distance: 12 kms
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 5: Kibo Hut 4,750m to Summit 5,895m to Horombo Hut 3,720m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
This is your day to conquer the summit! Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, The Roof of Africa.

The hike begins with a demanding 5-hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a 2-hour hike from Kibo Hut. We will continue on for half an hour before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point – 5,681 meters.

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring.

The fatigue is forgotten, and adrenaline takes over as you reach Uhuru Peak. Having your photo taken with your guides and group by the wooden summit sign will feel ever so satisfying!

As the weather can change very quickly, it is not advisable to spend too much time at the peak so you will begin the descent to Horombo Hut.

On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up.

Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut.

Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Elevation Gain: 1,145 m

Elevation Loss: 2,175 m

Distance: Ascent 10 kms – Uhuru Peak and Descent 22 kms
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 6: Horombo Hut 3,720m to Marangu Gate 1,800m

Stop At: Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park 00255 Tanzania
After an early breakfast, you will complete the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate.

Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.

Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

Congratulations – You have conquered Kilimanjaro!

Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters

Distance: 20 kms
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at your hotel in moshi town