Mt Kilimanjaro trekking on Marangu route
Mt Kilimanjaro trekking on Marangu route is a gradual ascent on well maintained tracks. Up to the final overnight, there are no tough scrambles or steep rock steps to negotiate. On the summit ascent there is a steep zigzag trail up to Gilman's Point. The route then flattens out on the crater rim, finishing with an easy, gradual uphill ascent to summit Uhuru Peak.
The frozen or snow covered scree (small stones) previously negotiated on the way up Marangu route to Gilman's Point, may becomes loose on the return to Kibo hut making the decent tiring.
Marangu route, 'the coca cola route', is the most popular Mt Kilimanjaro trekking route and can get busy in high season. The relative 'comfort' of sleeping in huts is especially welcome if climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in the rainy season.
A six day Kilimanjaro trekking holiday on Marangu route is recommended to help climbers to adjust to the altitude. The ascent and descent to the gate is on the same Kilimanjaro trekking route.
Kilitreks and Safaris provide a safe and comprehensive Marangu route trekking service with experienced teams. Hotels and airport transfers also provided.
Marangu route: 8 days / 7 nights (6 mountain days)
Tour Ref: CP 1
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Day 1: Arrive in Moshi, Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Marangu gate (1800m) to start trekking Mount Kilimanjaro through montane forest with enticing glimpses of colubus monkeys in the canopy. You reach the first hut at Mandara (2,700m) in 3 to 4hrs.
Day 3: Increasing altitude means a slower hiking pace through alpine meadows to arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 - 5 to 6 hrs).
Day 4: This is an acclimatization day. You can rest, socialize, enjoy the scenery and take opportunities to photograph the environment. Join your mountain guide for an optional easy hike up to Zebra Rocks. From here you can get good views of Mawenzi peak. After a picnic lunch you will take a slow hike back down to the hut for dinner and overnight. Horombo Hut - 3,780m.
Day 5: Hike through the rugged and rocky landscape to cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut for a rest and a Kilimanjaro summit briefing (4,700m - 5 to 6 hrs).
Day 6: The final ascent is made around midnight while the scree is still frozen. There is a steep climb to Gilman's Point (5,680m - 5 to 6 hrs). The route then flattens out along the crater rim. Your goal, Uhuru Peak (5,895m) can be reached in 1 to 2 hrs. After a short rest and snacks on Kilimanjaro summit you start the descent to Kibo Hut for breakfast and another rest before returning to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 7: From Horombo Hut it is an easy return on the same route to reach the national park gate to collect certificates before returning to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included).
Day 8: Departure
For climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on Marangu route use the enquiry form and request Tour Reference: CP 1
Preparing for Kilimanjaro trekking, climb fitness is important to the enjoyment of your climb as well as increasing your chance of Kilimanjaro summit success.
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Page update 08/12/09
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