6 Days Marangu Route
Short Summary :The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Friends of Africa Family Safaris Ltd offers Marangu as five or six day private climb
6 Days Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in Simple Mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 1KILIMANJARO AIRPORT-ARUSHAUpon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Ilboru Safari Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night at Ilboru Safari Lodge.Meals: BBAccommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge
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Day 2ARUSHA – MARANGU GATE (1,860 m) – MANDARA HUT (2,700 m)After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut.Meals: B,L,D
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Day 3MANDARA HUT(2,700 m) – HOROMBO HUT (3,700 m)The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 5 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.Meals: B, L,D
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Day 4HOROMBO HUT (3,700 m) – ZEBRA ROCKS (4,020 m) – HOROMBO HUT (3,700 m)Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.Meals: B, L, D
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Day 5HOROMBO HUT (3,700 m) – KIBO HUT (4,700 m)Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest for the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken at around 11pm.Meals: B, L, D
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Day 6KIBO HUT (4,700 m) – UHURU PEAK (5,895 m) – HOROBO HUT (3,700 m)Today is your big day. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave (5,220 m), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After a break of 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.Meals: B,L,D
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Day 7HOROMBO HUT (3,700 m) – MARANGU GATE (1,860 m) – ARUSHAThe last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the Ilboru Safari Lodge. At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night at Ilboru Safari Lodge.Meals: B.L.D
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Day 8ARUSHA-KILIMANJARO AIRPORTAfter breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean.Meals: BB
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| People | Green Season (1st April To 31st May) | Should Season (1st Nov – 14th Dec & March) | Peak Season (1st June – 30 Oct & 15th Dec-28th Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
1
|
$2601
|
$2601
|
$2601
|
2
|
$2193
|
$ 2193
|
$1293
|
3
|
$2073
|
$2073
|
$2073
|
4
|
$1961
|
$1961
|
$1961
|
5
|
$1933
|
$1933
|
$1933
|
6+
|
$1913
|
$1913
|
$1913
|
FAQS
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Preparing for East Africa safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is first aspects for Preparation of safaris. All travelers will need a current passport with an expiration date of at least six months from the time of entry into Tanzania. Tanzania tourist visas can be purchased in advance through the nearest Tanzanian embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
VACCINATIONS
Proper health preparations for the trip are your responsibility. You may be able to get your vaccinations from your own physician, but a travels clinic will be more familiar with the necessary vaccines and can also provide other helpful information. Be sure to also discuss malaria prevention with the travel clinic.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
East Africa Choice Safaris does not provide insurance for travelers. Speak with your travel agent or airline about options for travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical expenses and medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects.
CLOTHING
The weather may vary considerably throughout your trip, or even throughout the day, so plan on clothing that can be layered if it’s cool, or removed if it’s warm. Choose separates that can be mixed and matched, and avoid fabrics that require special care. Neutral colors are good for safari; avoid black and blue clothing as tsetse flies are attracted to those colors. Accessorize with modest jewelry. To respect cultural norms, avoid sleeveless blouses and short shorts or skirts.
Depending on your itinerary, consider a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes in case of mud or rough terrain. Sandals will be appropriate for safari. Most days will be sunny, so bring appropriate sun protection: hat (wide-brim is best to protect the neck and ears), sunscreen, sunglasses.
MONEY ON SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA.
While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris itineraries cover the important things such as accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives – there are always additional costs that might pop up.
Things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips for your driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari.
Tanzania uses the US Dollar for tourism. We recommend budgeting around $30 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.
TIPPING IN EAST AFRICA
Tipping is customary.
We recommend tipping $20 USD per day to your safari driver (per group, not per person), $10 – $15 USD per day to your safari cook (when camping), $20 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing guide, and $10 – $15 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing porters.
You can pay this all at once at the conclusion of your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI:
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.
You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.
- Anti-malarial medication;
- Painkillers;
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
- Cold and flu medication;
- Anti-Diarrheal medication;
- Medicines for rehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Eye drops;
- Moisturiser for treating sunburn;
- Antiseptic lotion;
- Rubbing alcohol;
- Bandages and plasters;
- Scissors.
You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.
Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!
Any Questions?
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your safari dream a reality.
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