7 Days Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, nicknamed the Tourist or Coca Cola Route, is favored for its popularity, gradual ascent, and reputation as the most straightforward way to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This route is distinctive, as it approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast and is known for its lush, picturesque landscapes.
This path, denoted by the Chagga word “Marangu” meaning “full of water,” is recognized for its green pastures. With a duration of 5 days, some experts suggest an additional acclimatization day, totaling a 6-day trek. One of the notable features of the Marangu Route is the accommodation provided in dormitory-style sleeping huts.
These huts vary in capacity and amenities. For example, Mandara and Kibo Huts can host up to 60 people each, while Horombo Hut has space for 120 beds. The huts feature communal dining halls and the convenience of purchasing beverages like soda, bottled water, and beer. The facilities also range from better-equipped washrooms with running water in lower huts to more basic facilities like ‘long drop’ toilets and bucket-based water supply at Kibo Hut.
The Marangu Route is often regarded as the classic Kilimanjaro experience, while other routes may offer more diverse and scenic variations.
| Destination |
Arusha, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut & Summit
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| Included |
- Camping & park fees
- Transport (4×4 Land Cruiser) with open roof
- Professional English/German speaking safari guide
- Chef cooker
- Tent & mattress
- bottle of water per day; tea and coffee with meal
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| Excluded |
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Personal items
- Sleeping bag
- Increases in park fees where applicable
- Accommodation & meals in Arusha
- Tips for safari guide & chef
- Soda and Alcoholic beverages
- Extra activities
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Details
After being picked up by a driver from AfroKlan, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha. There, you'll undergo an orientation session conducted by our guides. During this session, you'll receive crucial information about your upcoming trek. Additionally, our guides will thoroughly examine your trekking gear to ensure it meets the necessary standards for the journey.
Elevation Gain: 977 meters (3,200 feet) Walking Duration: 5-6 hours Distance: 11 kilometers
The journey towards Horombo Hut begins after breakfast. The landscape transforms significantly as we embark on the 7 Days Marangu Route, leading us through the moorland of Mount Kilimanjaro—an expanse strewn with rocks and home to various succulent plants. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at Kambi ya Taabu during the hike. On a clear day, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Anticipate reaching the Horombo Huts around 3:00 PM, where the rest of the afternoon can be spent in relaxation.
Considered the finest huts on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Horombo Huts are bustling but offer excellent accommodations. The small A-frame huts can accommodate up to eight people, providing comfortable lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatizing. With space for a maximum of 120 hikers, additional provisions are available for porters, guides, and chefs.
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters (3,380 feet) Walking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 10 kilometers
After a satisfying breakfast, our hike commences through the moorland and the alpine desert region of Mount Kilimanjaro. The journey begins with an hour's trek to reach a small mountain stream called the Maua River. Past the Maua River, the terrain smoothes out, and the vegetation gradually thins. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Middle Red Hill, providing an opportunity to refuel and rest.
Post-lunch, the trek continues for approximately four hours, leading to Kibo on a consistent upward slope through Mount Kilimanjaro's Saddle. Despite the barren desert landscape, the journey offers awe-inspiring views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrival at the Kibo Hut is expected in the afternoon. It is advised to rest and make preparations for the forthcoming midnight climb.
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,760 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters (7,140 feet) Walking Time: 11-13 hours Distance: 18 kilometers
The final leg of your journey entails the ascent to Uhuru Peak, acclaimed as 'The Roof of Africa'. Beginning shortly after midnight, the demanding trek initiates with a strenuous five-hour climb to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Although it is considered the least challenging of the three ascent paths to the crater, it is still a taxing hike.
William’s Point, the first major rest stop, is generally reached after a two-hour hike from the Kibo Hut, marking the elevation of five thousand meters. Subsequently, you will traverse rocky turns and bends for over six hundred meters until Gillman’s Point is reached. The gradual incline from Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak is not very challenging, but the high altitude can cause fatigue and prolong the duration of this part of the journey.
The hike along the crater rim will last about two hours, and upon reaching the summit, you'll have time to capture photographs and celebrate your achievement. Afterward, the descent to Horombo Hut, your final stop on the route, will commence. The route down offers magnificent views not seen during the ascent. You'll have the opportunity to stop at Kibo Hut for some energy-boosting snacks before reaching Horombo Huts in the afternoon, where you can savor your last moments on the mountain.
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters (6,295 feet) Walking Time: 5-6 hours Distance: 19 kilometers
The final stretch of the trek involves the descent to the Marangu Gate following breakfast. This concluding hike is a serene experience, as you'll descend through the divine environment of Mount Kilimanjaro's tranquil cloud forest. It's advisable to watch your footing, as the trail can become somewhat slippery. At the Marangu Gate, Papagei Tours vehicles will be waiting to transport you back to Arusha. It's an opportunity to purchase Kilimanjaro beer and souvenirs, serving as tangible mementos of your conquered 7 Days Marangu Route.
A driver will transport you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your connecting flight. Should you opt for an adventure in Zanzibar or Safari, we are more than thrilled to organize and arrange it for you!