One of the most popular routes to Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak is the Marangu Route. Marangu (or the “Coca-Cola Route”), is the oldest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route where you sleep in huts with bunk beds and mattresses. Your ascent begins at Marangu Gate on the southeast side of the mountain. You will then ascend to Uhuru Peak and later descend back to Marangu. This route is typically completed in 6 days, allowing for good acclimatization.
One of the most popular routes to Mount Kilimanjaro's peak is the Marangu Route. Marangu (or the "Coca-Cola Route"), is the oldest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route where you sleep in huts with bunk beds and mattresses. Your ascent begins at Marangu Gate on the southeast side of the mountain. You will then ascend to Uhuru Peak and later descend back to Marangu. This route is typically completed in 6 days, allowing for good acclimatization.
Elevation: 6,046 to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km (5 mi) Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Rainforest In the morning at 7 am, after breakfast, we depart from your hotel or lodge in Moshi and proceed to Marangu Gate. On arrival, we complete the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Elevation: 8,858 to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km (7 mi) Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. These are two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. We overnight at Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 14,400 to 12,205 ft Distance: 5 km (3 mi) Hiking time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Heath This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent hiking to Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area, we head back to Horombo Hut where we overnight.
Elevation: 12,205 to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km (6 mi) Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. We overnight at Kibo Hut.
Elevation: 19,341 to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km (10 mi) Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Early in the morning, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We pass Gilman’s Point at 18,600 ft. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 12,205 to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km (12 mi) Hiking time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rainforest We have a long trek on our last day, mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
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