Overview
The Marangu route, famously dubbed as the "Coca-Cola" route, is a timeless trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. It demands a minimum of five days; however, the chances of a successful summit within that period is considerably low. It is highly recommended to allocate an additional day for acclimatization while climbing Kilimanjaro through the Marangu route.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After a long sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara Huts. Here you will have lunch then proceed your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to Marangu park gate. After the gate sign out, a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation and celebration!
What's Included
- Pick-Up And Drop-Off From & To Airport
- All Park Fees Collected By The Kilimanjaro National Park
- All Meals On The Hike.
- Hiking And Safety Equipment
- Mountain Guide And Porters
- Transportation
What's Excluded
- International Flights
- Visa Fee
- Lunch And Dinner At The Hotel (Before And After The Ascent)
- Tips For The Mountain Crew
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Medical (Medications, Vaccines, Tests,…)
