8 Days Adventure via Marangu Route

Route Overview

The original path established to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is the Marangu route, also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route because bottles of Coca-Cola are available at each hut. Although it is frequently touted as one of the simpler walking routes, KINAPA reports that it has the lowest success rate (42%) because too many climbers attempt it in just 5 days and fail due to inadequate acclimatization. The Marangu route, which approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, follows the same ascent and descent path, making it less picturesque than the other routes.

Marangu is the only route that provides dormitory-style hut lodging for climbers who don’t want to camp. The huts contain a common dining area, basic restrooms, and toilets that are “long drop” loos higher up the mountain but flushable lower down. On the Marangu route, you will be sharing the hut with many other climbers in open dormitory housing, despite the fact that some climbers prefer the concept of living in huts rather than camping. The Marangu route is one of the best for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season due to the hut accommodations.

For people who haven’t hiked much at high elevations, the Marangu route is a decent six-day trip with an effective extra day of acclimatization, improving success rates. Mountaineers with experience and acclimatization may choose the more challenging 5-day ascent along the Marangu route.

Route Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

To get to Kilimanjaro International Airport, every hiker must arrange their own flights (JRO). We will set up a private transfer for you from JRO to your hotel. You will meet your local Tito Tanzania representative that evening or early the next morning and receive a thorough pre-climb briefing.

Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 40 km)
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Marangu Gate so you can register. Before we begin our trek on a ridge trail through the rainforest, our porters prepare and pack our bags and supplies. The majority of Kilimanjaro’s animal life is concentrated in the mist- and moss-covered forest. Our first night will be spent at Mandara Hut, a collection of A-frame wooden cottages situated in a clearing in the jungle.

Transport: Private transfer (1 hour, 40 km)
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 720 m
altitude: 2700 m
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

From Mandara Hut, the trail travels through a brief section of woodland before skirting the Maundi Crater and entering the area where the rain forest meets the moorland. We travel for nearly 6 hours before reaching Horombo Hut.

Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1020 m
altitude: 3720 m
Accomodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: Aclimatization at Horombo Hut

The additional day and night in Horombo are perfect for a successful acclimatization. It is highly advised to take a hike toward Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks along the way (approximately 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), as this will help with acclimatization.

Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 300 m
Descent: 300 m
altitude: 4020 m
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

As we ascend further into the Alpine desert, at 4130 meters, we cross the final water source. The top is currently 1195 meters higher than Kibo Hut. We will go to bed early in order to obtain the most rest possible since we will be climbing the summit tonight.

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 980 m
altitude: 4700 m
Accomodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Around 23:30 is when we usually get up, and after some tea and biscuits, we wander off into the night. This is when things start to become really difficult. The Hans Meyer point (5250m), which also serves as an excellent resting location, is reached after a short, difficult portion of the track. At Gilman’s Point (5681m), which is situated on the crater rim, the path then ascends in a zigzag pattern. This stretch requires a lot of physical and mental work because it is very steep and covered in stone scree.

Snow usually covers the entire distance from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Africa’s highest peak. How long we can spend shooting pictures before the three-hour descent back to Kibo Hut depends on the weather conditions at the peak. We take a little break, gather the equipment we used for the ascent, and continue the 3 hours down to Horombo Hut. We will have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening before a well-deserved rest.

Hiking time: 12 – 14 hours
Ascent: 1195 m
Descent: 2175 m
Max. altitude: 5895 m
Accomodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The last day of the climb, after breakfast, we continue our descent of 1740 meters to Marangu Gate, where you can pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. After a well-earned shower, head to your hotel to celebrate.

Transport: Private transfer (1 hour, 40 km)
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Descent: 1740 m
altitude: 3720 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 9: Departure

We’ll say farewell after a much-needed night of rest. If you have scheduled an airport transport with us, a safari, or a vacation to Zanzibar, we will pick you up in the morning for your next destination.

Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 40 km)
Meals included: Breakfast