Marangu route is arguably the most common Kilimanjaro ascent. This is a relatively easy 5 – 6 days trip Kilimanjaro climb. Marangu Route is also the oldest Route and most popular, at one time the route was drawing over 80% of trekkers on Kilimanjaro, and it also came to be known as Coca – Cola route’s where the final summit bid is undertaken via the Normal/Marangu Route.
Marangu Route:
Marangu route approaches the Mountain from the south, passing to the south of Mawenzi before it crosses to the desolate Saddle of heading to Kibo Hut.
Marangu route approaches the Mountain from the south, passing to the south of Mawenzi before it crosses to the desolate Saddle of heading to Kibo Hut. The Summit ascent on this route is then conducted via the Normal Marangu Route on an arduous scree slope that culminates in the arrival at Gilman Point on the crater rim. This route can be done in 5 days and as a result, it has a surprisingly low success rate for getting trekkers to the top compared to the other routes. To improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, it is advisable to try to factor in an extra day for acclimatization purposes. This extra day for acclimatization is spent at Horombo Hut from where you can enjoy a number of fascinating side trips to explore various features of the Mountain.
On the Marangu route, you descend this route by retracting your steps. This is the only route on Mt. Kilimanjaro that all overnight stops are in purpose-built huts. Since this is the shortest and cheapest route on the mountain, it is frequently very busy leading to the facilities along the trail sometimes becoming stretched. It is always recommended that you pay and book in advance to secure yourself a room if you plan to use this route.
END OF TOUR:
After breakfast, descend further down to the Marangu Park Gate via Mandara. At the gate you will be issued with certificates and your Kilimanjaro crew from Big Expeditions will join you in celebrating your success. On this day dancing is a must and after spending 5 days with your porters, you are already used to their dancing and singing which makes you forget all the pain and focus on your climb. After a colorful short ceremony organized by Big Expeditions to thank your climb, you sadly leave your crew behind and head to your hotel where you find a room reserved for you to refresh till late evening when your driver collects you from the hotel and transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport to board your International flight.
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Day 1:
Arusha – Mandara
Today you will be picked up at your hotel in Arusha at 8.00 am drive to Moshi then on the Marangu gate. After registration formalities, this is the set off point for your three-hour hike to Mandara Hut in which you cover 9 km. Here, the altitude is 2,774m above sea. Overnight Mandara Hut.
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Day 2:
Mandara – Horombo
After breakfast, start the trek that will take you to Horombo Hut. Trekking time is about 8 hours, however, you will your lunch en route. In clear weather, Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be seen. Dinner and overnight at the hut, 3,761m.
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Day 3:
Horombo Acclimatizing
You will spend a second night at Horombo. This is an extra day that has been added to improve your chances of reaching the peak which is your ultimate goal. The entire day will be spent here acclimatizing, in the morning trek up for about 3 hours, then start descending to arrive at your base in time for lunch, after lunch relax, spend rest of the day relaxing, in the evening have a small walk along the valley, return to the Banda for dinner and overnight.
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Day 4:
Horombo – Kibo
After breakfast, you have a long hike that is 13 km to Kibo hut at an elevation of 4,732 m above sea level in an average hiking time of 6 hours. You will now get a chance to encounter spectacular mountain vegetation like Lobelia, giant cactus and groundsel.
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Day 5:
Kibo – Horombo via Gil man Point and Uhuru Peak.
This is the day you have been waiting for, you are nervous but excited. Wake up at 02.00 a.m. for a pre-dawn attempt at the summit. It will take you about 5 hours to reach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 m above sea level. From Gilman’s, it takes 1 hour to summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in African at 5,896 m above sea level. After reaching Uhuru Peak spend some time taking photos and watching as the African sunrises from the horizon. Afterward, descend to Horombo hut overnight.
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Day 6:
Horombo – Arusha
After breakfast, descend further down to the Marangu Park Gate via Mandara. At the gate you will be issued with certificates and your Kilimanjaro crew from Big Expeditions will join you in celebrating your success. On this day dancing is a must and after spending 5 days with your porters, you are already used to their dancing and singing which makes you forget all the pain and focus on your climb. After a colorful short ceremony organized by Big Expeditions to thank your climb, you sadly leave your crew behind and head to your hotel where you find a room reserved for you to refresh till late evening when your driver collects you from the hotel and transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport to board your International flight.
Important to Know
- This tour is not available to solo travelers.
- Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
- This tour accepts children who are 12 years and older.
Rates per person
Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
This tour starts and ends in 
We can help select your international flights, but you’ll have to book them yourself 
Fly to/from (JRO – Check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport(ARK – Check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya) 
A from and back to the airport is included 
Additional before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
ACCOMMODATION
- Private Mountain Camps
- Public campsites.
- Special campsites.
ACTIVITIES
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Skeing
- Parachuting
Getting there
- Trekking
- Helicopter
Best time to go
The Mountain can be trekk at any time of the year but much suited better when it is not raining.