7 Day climbing Adventure: marangu route

Overview

Experience the adventure of a lifetime with the Marangu route, affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola” route. As the oldest and most established path on Kilimanjaro, the Marangu route offers a unique blend of rich history and natural beauty. Unlike other routes, Marangu provides the comfort of sleeping huts, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a bit more luxury on their trek. With 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut, you'll enjoy the comfort of mattresses and pillows (though sleeping bags are still required). The communal dining halls and washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut, add to the convenience of this route.

Favored by many for its gradual slope and direct path, the Marangu route is considered the easiest ascent on Kilimanjaro. While the shorter timeframe can make altitude acclimatization a challenge, the route's scenic beauty and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers more than make up for it. Approaching from the southeast, Marangu offers a stunning journey through varied landscapes. Though the ascent and descent follow the same path, you'll be treated to diverse vistas and an unforgettable climbing experience.

Embark on this unforgettable adventure and conquer Africa's highest peak with the comfort and support of the Marangu route. Book your expedition today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Price:

$1,600 Per Person

Difficulty:

Intermediate

    • Airport Transfers: Convenient pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

    • Trailhead Transfers: Smooth transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park entry gate and pick-up at the exit gate.

    • Park Fees: All-inclusive park fees, including conservation, camping, crew, vehicle, rescue, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

    • Accommodation: One night at the Salinero Hotel before the expedition and one night after. Enjoy comfortable rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a welcoming restaurant.

    • Tented Accommodation: Modern, comfortable 4-season tents (North Face VE-25 or Mountain Hard Ware Tents) on Mount Kilimanjaro.

    • Meals: Delicious and energy-rich meals prepared by professional high-altitude cooks. Options include soups, garnishes, fish, meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options are available at no extra cost.

    • Drinks: All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water).

    • Sleeping Mats: Comfortable 4-inch (10-cm) thick sleeping mats.

    • Group Equipment: Spacious dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery, and cutlery.

    • Safety Gear: Oxygen cylinders, oximeters, GPS-tracking service, and complete medical kits.

    • Professional Guides: Licensed guides with Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications, each with 10+ years of successful mountaineering experience.

    • Support Crew: Dedicated assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, and more.

    • Airline tickets

    • Visa fee

    • Personal gear rentals

    • Tips for the mountain crew

    • Mountaineering insurance

Itinerary

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your comfortable accommodation for the night. Your head guide will meet you for a briefing, gear check, and to arrange any equipment rentals you may need.

    Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM

  • Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, you'll witness the excitement of many crews preparing for their journey. Enjoy the lush rainforest scenery and learn about the local flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide. The trail can be muddy and slippery at these lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended.

    • Distance: 7 km/4 mi

    • Duration: 4-5 hrs

    • Habitat: Rainforest

    • Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

  • After a restful night and hearty breakfast, you'll leave the rainforest behind and ascend through heathland, spotting giant lobelias and groundsels along the way. The open moorlands offer stunning views of Mawenzi as you make your way to the Horombo Huts. As you climb higher, temperatures begin to drop, adding a crispness to the mountain air.

    • Distance: 11 km/7 mi

    • Duration: 6-8 hrs

    • Habitat: Moorland

    • Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

  • Today's trek takes you through the diminishing heathland into a moonscape of semi-desert. The path leads across the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo, offering a chance to contemplate the summit climb that awaits. This surreal landscape provides a dramatic contrast to the lush forests below.

    • Distance: 10 km/6 mi

    • Duration: 6-8 hrs

    • Habitat: Semi-desert

    • Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

  • An early start between midnight and 2 a.m. sets the stage for the most challenging and exhilarating part of your journey. As you ascend in switchbacks through scree and possibly snow, you'll witness the sunrise from Gillman’s Point or the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is a moment of pure triumph. After celebrating and taking photos, you'll begin the descent to Horombo Huts for a well-earned rest.

    • Ascent Distance: 4 km/2.5 mi

    • Ascent Duration: 5-7 hrs

    • Descent Distance: 14 km/9 mi

    • Descent Duration: 5-6 hrs

    • Habitat: Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

    • Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft

    • Descent to: 3690m/12,100ft

  • After breakfast, enjoy a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew before beginning your final descent. A stop at Mandara Huts for lunch provides a moment to reflect on your journey. Upon reaching the Marangu Park Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

    • Distance: 18 km/11 mi

    • Duration: 6-7 hrs

    • Habitat: Rainforest

    • Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

  • As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye. Check out of your accommodation by 11 a.m., and enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport provided by one of our friendly Morning Glory team members. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon!