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$2,100/
Per PersonEmbark on an unforgettable adventure with our 6 days Marangu Route trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route” for its relatively moderate terrain and comfortable hut accommodations, the Marangu Route is perfect for those seeking a well-supported and scenic ascent. This carefully crafted 6-day itinerary allows ample time for acclimatization, enhancing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully. Traverse through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and heathlands to barren alpine deserts, each offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. Join Zaita Tours for a once-in-a-lifetime journey, combining physical challenge with the beauty and majesty of Tanzania’s iconic mountain.
Included and Excluded
- Experienced, English-Speaking Guides Certified In First Aid And Mountain Rescue.
- Friendly And Reliable Porters To Carry Your Gear And Supplies, Ensuring A Comfortable Trek.
- Huts On The Mountain Equipped With Beds And Mattresses.
- Nutritious And Delicious Meals Prepared By Our Skilled Cooks, Including Breakfast, Lunch, And Dinner.
- Clean, Safe Drinking Water Provided Throughout The Trek.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees, Including Entrance, Hut, And Rescue Fees.
- Transportation To And From Moshi To The Marangu Gate.
- Oxygen Cylinders And Oximeters For Emergency Use.
- Comprehensive First Aid Kit For Minor Injuries And Illnesses.
- A Certificate Of Achievement Upon Reaching Uhuru Peak.
- Flights (international and domestic)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- Tips
- Personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance
Highlights of the Tour
- Trek Through Lush Rainforest, Visit Maundi Crater.
- Stunning Views Of Mawenzi And Kibo Peaks.
- Optional Hike To Zebra Rocks.
- Traverse The Lunar-Like Saddle Desert.
- Reach Africa’s Highest Point At Sunrise.
- Experience Rainforests To Alpine Deserts.
- Learn About Local Chagga Culture.
- Spot Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, And Various Bird Species.
- Celebrate Reaching The Summit With Fellow Trekkers.
- Receive A Summit Certificate.
Itinerary
Begin your adventure with an early morning drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate. After registration and a briefing by your guide, start your trek through the lush rainforest, teeming with unique flora and fauna. Enjoy a gradual ascent and reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon. After settling in, take a short walk to the Maundi Crater for breathtaking views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
After a hearty breakfast, continue your ascent through the forest until you reach the heather and moorland zone. Marvel at the giant lobelias and groundsels unique to Kilimanjaro. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you'll spend the night. This day offers panoramic views of the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Spend a day at Horombo Hut to acclimatize to the altitude. You have the option to take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m), which helps in the acclimatization process. Enjoy the stunning views and get a glimpse of the higher elevations you will be tackling in the next days.
- Distance: 5 km (optional)
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours (optional)
- Habitat: Moorland
Resume your trek with an early start, passing through the Last Water Point. The trail takes you through the barren landscape of the Saddle, a lunar desert between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon. After an early dinner, get some rest in preparation for the summit attempt.
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start your final ascent around midnight. The trail is steep and demanding, but the reward is reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Celebrate your achievement at the highest point in Africa, then begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest. Continue descending to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
- Distance: 22 km (total ascent and descent)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
After breakfast, complete the descent through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your trekking team. Transfer back to Moshi for a celebration dinner and reflection on your incredible journey.
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Location Map
Frequently Asked & Question
The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is often considered one of the less challenging routes due to its gradual ascent profile and the availability of hut accommodations along the way. Here’s an overview of its difficulty: Gradient and Terrain: The route starts with a gentle gradient through lush rainforest, gradually transitioning to moorland and alpine desert as you ascend. This gradual ascent helps with acclimatization and reduces the physical strain compared to steeper routes. Altitude: Despite its gradual incline, altitude remains a challenge. Trekkers still need to acclimatize properly to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness, especially as they approach the higher elevations near Kibo Hut and the summit. Length of Trekking Days: The trekking days are moderate in length, typically ranging from 4 to 8 hours of hiking per day. The summit day can be longer, around 10-14 hours round-trip from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and back down to Horombo Hut. Technical Difficulty: Marangu Route does not require technical climbing skills, making it accessible to many hikers without prior mountaineering experience. However, the final ascent to Uhuru Peak is steep and rocky, requiring determination and stamina. Accommodations: The route offers hut accommodations, which provide shelter and basic amenities. This differs from other routes that often involve tent camping, adding a layer of comfort and convenience. Overall, while Marangu Route is considered less physically demanding than some other routes on Kilimanjaro, it still presents a significant challenge due to altitude and the length of the summit day. Proper physical preparation, adequate acclimatization, and mental readiness are crucial for successfully reaching Uhuru Peak.
The success rate for reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is generally lower compared to other routes like Machame or Lemosho. The success rate on the Marangu Route is estimated to be around 80-85%, meaning approximately 15-20% of trekkers do not reach Uhuru Peak. Success rates can vary depending on individual fitness levels, preparation, weather conditions, and the ability to acclimatize effectively. Several factors contribute to this: Gradient and Acclimatization: The Marangu Route's gradual ascent profile may seem easier, but it can lead to poorer acclimatization for some trekkers. The lack of significant altitude gains early on can make the final ascent to Uhuru Peak more challenging. Crowds: Being one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro, Marangu can be crowded during peak seasons. This can affect the pace of the trek and the overall experience for some trekkers. Hut Accommodations: While the huts provide shelter, they may not offer the same comfort as tented camps on other routes. Quality of rest can impact physical readiness for summit day. Weather Conditions: Weather on Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable. Trekkers on Marangu may encounter rain or colder temperatures, particularly at higher elevations, affecting morale and physical comfort. Altitude Challenges: Despite its reputation as a less difficult route, altitude remains a significant challenge on Marangu. Trekkers still need to acclimatize properly and manage symptoms of altitude sickness.
The nickname "Coca-Cola route" for the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is actually related to the ease of accessibility and the availability of basic amenities rather than specifically bottled Coca-Cola. It's known for having a well-defined path and being one of the more straightforward routes up the mountain, which has historically made it popular among trekkers. The route's name isn't directly tied to the actual availability of Coca-Cola but rather to the perception of it being a more comfortable and less challenging route compared to others on Kilimanjaro. This accessibility has contributed to its popularity and the nickname "Coca-Cola route" has come to represent this aspect of the trekking experience.
The Umbwe Route is often regarded as one of the toughest routes to Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steep ascent and rapid altitude gain. Here are some key aspects that contribute to its reputation: Steep and Direct Ascent: The Umbwe Route takes a direct approach to the summit, with steep and challenging sections right from the start. Trekkers face steep climbs through dense forest and rocky terrain, requiring good physical fitness and stamina. Shorter and Intense: Unlike other routes that offer longer acclimatization periods, the Umbwe Route is shorter and more intense. This rapid ascent profile can increase the risk of altitude sickness if proper acclimatization practices are not followed. Less Traffic: The route is less frequented compared to popular routes like Marangu or Machame, offering a more secluded and wilderness experience. However, this also means fewer amenities and less infrastructure along the way. Technical Challenges: Some sections of the route may involve scrambling over rocks and negotiating challenging terrain, adding to the physical demands of the trek. Beautiful Scenery: Despite its difficulty, the Umbwe Route rewards trekkers with stunning views and varied landscapes, including lush rainforests, heath and moorland, and alpine desert. Due to its strenuous nature and rapid altitude gain, the Umbwe Route is recommended for experienced trekkers who are well-prepared physically and mentally for the challenges it presents. It's important to trek with an experienced guide and allow adequate time for acclimatization to maximize safety and enjoyment during the climb.
Yes, a beginner can climb Kilimanjaro with careful preparation and guidance from experienced operators. Many beginners successfully summit Kilimanjaro each year by following these essential steps: Guided Tours: Opting for a guided tour with reputable operators ensures beginners have experienced guides who manage logistics, safety, and provide support throughout the trek. Suitable Routes: Choosing a suitable route like the Marangu or Machame, which offer gradual ascents and sufficient acclimatization days, increases the chances of success for beginners. Physical Preparation: Engaging in a fitness regimen beforehand, focusing on aerobic exercise and strength training, helps build stamina and endurance needed for long days of hiking. Mental Readiness: Mentally preparing for the challenges, including altitude adjustments and variable weather conditions, helps beginners stay focused and resilient throughout the climb. Proper Gear: Packing appropriate clothing and equipment for varying climates and altitudes ensures comfort and safety during the trek. Health Consultation: Consulting with a healthcare provider before the trek ensures beginners are in good health and can address any potential concerns related to altitude or physical exertion. With these considerations and proper preparation, beginners can embark on a memorable and rewarding journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro, experiencing its stunning landscapes and achieving a significant personal milestone.
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Note: Price is per person based on two travelers. For solo, family, or group rates, please inquire.
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