6 day trekking tour with accommodation in mountain huts + 2 nights hotel stay
Nicknamed the ‘Coca cola’ route, Marangu is the classic and oldest route up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the only route where hikers overnight in rustic huts and not in tents, so a good choice in the wet season. The ascent is constant and moderate but the section towards Uhuru peak is difficult. The route follows the same path up and down.
Overview
Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Arriving at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by our transfer driver and taken to the Arusha Hotel. The rest of the day will be free. Relax at the pool or explore the small town of Arusha. Later today or tonight you will meet our operations team who will brief you on what lies ahead.
Itinerary
Gear, food, equipment and backpacks will be loaded after breakfast and you will set off to Marangu Gate (1860 m) in the Kilimanjaro National Park. After registering at the park authorities you will start your trek through the forest. Gradually walking uphill, you will see and hear birds and monkeys, maybe spotting black and white colobus monkeys. You should reach Mandara Hut (2700 m) after about four hours walking. The rest of the day is free; relax or walk to the Maundi Crater to look out towards Kenya. Supper tonight will be a hot cooked meal with soup, meat and vegetables.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Up early today. After breakfast you will ascend above the treeline and notice how the vegetation changes with the higher altitude. More scrubs, less trees. Today’s section will take between four and six hours before you will reach Horombu hut. This overnight spot has great views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks and towards the Masai plains.
Have a cup of hot tea and a snack when you arrive and rest for the rest of the afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be a return trip to Zebra Rocks. Ascending to higher altitude will help your body adapt to the height according to high altitude trekkers’ motto of “climb-high, sleep-low”. Acclimatisation is important to prevent altitude sickness. So, after a leisurely breakfast you will head out towards the aptly named Zebra Rocks. After about four hours you will return to the hut where a hot lunch waits. Rest and drink enough water as this will also help your body cope with the altitude.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be a long day. You will pass the ominous-sounding ‘Last Waterpoint’ and then cross the Saddle. This piece of rock is actually a lava-flow formed when Kili was still young. It has now solidified and connects two of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. After about six hours of hard work, you will reach Kibo hut where hot drinks will be waiting. Eat as much as you can, drink lots of water and go to sleep early as you will need to wake up around midnight to start your summit attempt.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It will still be dark when you will be woken up with hot tea and some biscuits. Put on your warmest gear and headlamp and follow the string of lights slowly ascending towards the top of Kilimanjaro. The volcanic ash will be frozen and with the guide’s encouragement you will pass Hans Meyer cave at 5 200 m. A few hours later – at around sunrise – you will reach Gilman’s Point (5681 m) on the edge of the crater. Well done! Keep going for one to two hours and you will reach the top. Uhuru peak at 5895 m is the highest point on the Kilimanjaro Massiv. You will have a few minutes for photos and hugs, before the descent starts along the same path. It will be dusty now as the ash will be defrosting. Soon you might start to feel relieve of the altitude and cold and before long you will be at Kibo hut (4700 m) where a hot meal waits. You will rest for an hour before continuing downhill. After a few hours you will reach Horombo Hut (3700 m). Here you will have supper and stay for the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Feeling a bit stiff? This is your last day on the mountain. The last stretch passes through heather and shrubs to Mandara Hut at 2700 m. You will rest and have a hot lunch here. Now you will descend into the forest with its cool, moist air. After about six hours hiking, you will reach the park gate (1860 m) and say goodbye to the porters and cooks. You driver will now return you to the lodge where fresh clothes, hot showers and something cool to drink will be waiting. You will have supper at the lodge tonight to celebrate your adventure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price includes:
- Trekking tour according to the itinerary
- Accommodation in tentsindicated in the itinerary
- 2 Nights Accommodation before & After Climb
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Personal porter
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking Water
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Camping equipment – tents, sleeping mattress and camping furniture
- National park fees
- Rescue fees
Price excludes
- Flights (international and domestic)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Beverages other than water (alcohol and soft drinks)
- Visa, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance
- Sleeping bag (can be rented, please ask us at the time of the booking)
In general, European citizens can apply for a Tanzanian Tourism Visa upon arrival in Tanzania.
It is the sole responsibility of every traveller to be in possession of the required documents and visa that allows them to enter their holiday destination.
Although Tanzania does not require proof of immunization against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B, we nevertheless recommend those vaccinations.
Day backpack with rain protection
High quality sleeping bag for harsh conditions (at night temperatures can drop to -20°C)
Different layers of clothing including thermal base layers, fleece clothing, trekking pants, warm jacket and water-resistant top layers as well as a warm headgear.
Water-resistant and comfortable hiking boots and a variety of trekking socks
Please note that the above list is not complete and these are just a few things that you will have to bring with you. Once we have confirmed your booking, you will receive a more detailed list.
