The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route as you can get a bottle of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original route established to climb Kilimanjaro. It is often billed as one of the easier walking routes – however, according to KINAPA it suffers from the lowest success rate (42%) as too many climbers try to do it in only 5 days and fail because of poor acclimatization. Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the Marangu route uses the same ascent and descent route which means it is less scenic than the other routes.
For climbers who do not wish to camp, then Marangu is the only route that offers dormitory-style hut accommodation. The huts have a communal dining room, simple washrooms and toilets which lower down will be flushable, but as you move higher up the mountain will be “long drop” loos. Although some climbers like the idea of staying in the huts rather than camping you need to remember that on the Marangu route you will be sharing the hut with lots of other climbers in open dormitory accommodation. The hut accommodation also means the Marangu route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.
The Marangu route is a good six day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 5 day ascent along the Marangu route.
Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
Day 3: Acclimatization Day At Horombo
Day 4: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate
Every Pumbaa Expeditions trip is custom-created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.
Situated in the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania; Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of the African continent. Acquiring 5,895m height it’s also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Being the topmost mountain in Africa, this is a dream for hikers. There are 30,000 trekkers including the experienced to the aspiring one visiting Tanzania for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climbing is one of the most incredible experiences for climbers. It's a genuine experience that brings remarkable highs and testing lows. The greatest aspect of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – and what makes is so well known – is that it's available to nearly anybody. With the right planning, a solid ability, and an awesome support group around you, it's entirely possible to reach the summit.
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
A representative of Pumbaa Africa Expeditions will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.
Note: Hotel check-in start at 02:00 PM. In case you need an early check-in we can arrange it for an extra fee.
Departing from Moshi a 60-minute drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend proper rain gear and trekking poles. We will spend our first night at Mandara Hut, a group of wooden A-framed huts set in a forest clearing
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, through heath land, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way is strongly recommended for acclimatization.
After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heath land that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours. The last place where water is available is at 4130m. From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. We will make our summit ascent tonight so we will have to go to bed early to get as much rest as possible.
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow toward Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! Later we shall descend our way back to Kibo have breakfast then head towards Horombo.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 60 minutes).
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 1 Pax | $ 2,108 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1,912 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1,775 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1,753 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1,734 |
| 6 Pax | $ 1,717 |
| 7 Pax | $ 1,701 |
| 8 Pax | $ 1,686 |
Group bookings: For groups of 20 or more please contact info@pumbaaexpeditions.com or call us on +255 (0) 784 759 796
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
Airport pick-up and drop-off
2 nights hotel accommodation before and after you’re a climb on bed & breakfast basis
Transfers to and from the mountain
National Park entry, huts and climbing fees
Rescue fees
A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
All meals and drinking water on the mountain
Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen
A certificate documenting your summit ascent
NB: Depending on the availability, hotels of the same standard can be substituted
International flights and visas
Tips for your guide and crew
Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
Visa fees
Your personal trekking gears
Snacks on the mountain
Meals and drinks not on the mountain
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From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, enchanting beaches and intriguing cities, every bespoke Pumbaa Expeditions is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.
