Tour Overview
Marangu is a term derived from the native Chagga language and the direct translation is “full of water”. This description corresponds with the luscious, green pastures and beautiful landscapes accordingly. The Marangu Route is highly frequented and it is the oldest route travelled. The Marangu Route is said to be the easiest way to the summit – it ascends gradually which allows for a generally effortless trek. It is the only route that approaches the Kilimanjaro from the southeast. The required time needed to complete the hike is 5 days experts recommend a 6th day for extra acclimatisation on the mountain. The accommodation sets this route apart from the others as there are dormitory style sleeping huts. Your own sleeping bag is required but the huts have relatively comfy mattresses and bunks. The Mandara and Kibo Huts can each accommodate 60 people and the Horombo Hut has 120 beds. The huts have communal dining halls and you will have an opportunity to purchase soda, bottled water and beer. The huts have basic washrooms that range from installed plumbing and running water at the lower huts to „long drop‟ toilets and buckets of water at the Kibo Hut. The 5 days Marangu Route will always be the timeless trip to Africa‟s rooftop, however, the other routes tend to provide more scenic variation.
DAY 1: Arrive in Tanzania
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
DAY 2: Marangu Gate -Mandara Hut
Elevation Gain: 943 meters (3,000 feet) Walking Time:3-4 hours Distance:7km In the morning we will proceed to the Marangu Gate, the duration of the drive is approximately one hour. There will be a chance for you to acquaint yourself with the chefs, guides and porters in Moshi. After registration at the gate we will embark on our 6 days Marangu Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek begins in Kilimanjaro‟s rainforest – it is referred to as the mountain‟s timbered skirting and the emerald folds are hemmed by silver streams and shimmer with floral sequins. We will stop at the halfway point, Kisambioni, where an appetising picnic lunch will be served. The trail in the rainforest continues until the site of the Mandara Hut. There is an option of relaxing for the rest of the day or sauntering to the Maundi Crater once we arrive at the camp. You will not regret logging a few extra miles once you catch the first glimpse of the spectacular view of the Taveta in the east. On a clear day, facing the north western region will reveal the wonderful view of the jagged edges of the Mawenzi Peak. Dinner will be served at the dining area.
Elevation Gain: 943 meters (3,000 feet) Walking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 7 km.
DAY 3: Mandara Hut -Horombo Hut
After breakfast we will begin our trek to the Horombo hut. Today‟s terrain, the Killimanjaro‟s moorland, is a total contrast to the rainforest. Desert-like plants are scattered across the rocky landscape and in the distance the presence of Uhuru Peak and Mawenzi is acknowledged. When we get to Kambi ya Taanu we will take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Pleasant blue skies will allow you to marvel at the scenic views of Mawenzi and the peaks of Kibo. We will arrive at the Horombo Hut in the afternoon and you will have the opportunity to unwind for the rest of the day. The Horombo Huts are the „luxury‟ huts on Kilimanjaro. The classic huts can accommodate up to eight people and they are used by ascending and descending hikers.
Up to one hundred and twenty people can stay at Horombo and there is more space for cooks, guides and porters than at the other huts.
Elevation Gain: 977 meters (3,200 feet) Walking Time: 5-6 hours Distance: 11 km.
DAY 4: Horombo Hut -Mawenzi Hut –Horombo hut
The purpose of day three is to acclimate yourself to increase your chances of reaching the Uhuru Peak. We suggest that you aim to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut to enable maximum acclimatisation. The other advantageous reward of taking the hike is that the view of Kibo is spectacular from this angle. A delectable lunch will be served and lounge at the huts for the rest of the day.
Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters (2,900 feet) Walking Time: 4-5hours Distance: 8 km.
DAY 5: Horombo Hut -Kibo Hut
An energy dense breakfast will be served in the dining area and then we will embark on the final part of our 6 days Marangu Route. We will hike through the alpine desert of the upper altitudes of Kilimanjaro. After an hour we will arrive at the Maua River and encounter our first milestone, a small mountain stream. As you continue walking you will notice that the terrain gradually flattens and the vegetation starts vanishing. Once we come across the Middle Red Hill, we will take a break and eat lunch. The incline of Kilimanjaro‟s Saddle is steady and we will hike along the trail for approximately two hours. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a desolate dessert and vegetation is scarcely placed across the land – the splendid views of Kibo and Mawenzi enhance the scenic pleasure and add colour to the golden surroundings. We will reach the Kibo Huts in the afternoon. It is recommended that you prepare for your midnight climb and attempt to rest as early as possible.
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters (3,380 feet) Walking Time: 6- 8hours Distance: 10 km.
DAY 6: Kibo Hut - Summit -Horombo Hut
We will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, Africa‟s rooftop. You will set off into the darkness of the midnight skies with a curious mix of minor fatigue and raw adrenalin that will carry you to the summit. The hike beings with a gruelling five hour trek to Gillman‟s Point, located on the perimeter of the crater. This trail is tremendously difficult irrespective of the fact that it is considered the easiest ascent path. It takes approximately two hours to come across the first major rest stop, William‟s point. It is positioned at 500 metres and you will continue for another thirty minutes before encountering the rocky terrain that leads the way to Gillman‟s Point (5,681 metres). The actual hike to Gilman‟s does not have a great level of difficulty but when you combine the hike with a high altitude, it becomes tiring and long. You will hike for a further two hours before reaching your goal, Uhuru Peak. Before our descent begins, you can take photos of the magnificent landscape and your group. You will realize that the route down the summit has remarkable views that were out of sight whilst ascending. We will stop at the Kibo Hut to give you a chance to catch your breath. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Horombo Huts. You can relax and savour your last night on the mountain.
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,760 feet) Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters (7,140 feet) Walking Time: 11- 13hours Distance: 18 km.
DAY 7: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate
After enjoying your last breakfast in the dining area, you will start your last trek. The descent to the Marangu gate includes one of the most beautiful sights, Kilimanjaro‟s cloud forest. Marvel at the rays of light and mysterious puffs of white that gleam through the underpass of branches. Please remain alert when you are walking as the path tends to get slippery. Our vehicles with take you back to Moshi when you arrive at the Marangu Gate. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and souvenirs that will remind you of your 6 days Marangu route for years to come.
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters (6,295 feet) Walking Time: 5-6hours Distance: 19 km.
DAY 8: Departure day in Tanzania
We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.
The Price
| Route | Days | 1 pax | 2-4 Pax | 4-6 Pax | 6-8 Pax | 8-10 Pax | 10-12 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 8 | $3100 | $3000 | $2900 | $2800 | $2700 | $2600 |
Our package includes the following
- 2 transfers to and from the Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
- Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
- Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks for your group.
- Government taxes.
- All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and team fees.
- Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers)
- Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping tent(s), and crew’s equipment– Dining tent and sleeping tent for Kilimanjaro trek.
- 2 nights in a hotel in Moshi on a Bed & Breakfast basis and Double Occupancy (1 before trekking & 1 after trekking).
- 3 full fresh meals daily. We provide fresh food on the mountain in plentiful and well prepared by a skilled professional cooker (we also consider your choice of food that you would prefer -Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian). Menu especially designed for climbers.
- Hot drinks on the mountain and Hot water for washing will be provided everyday on the mountain.
- 3-4 liters of mineral (per Climber) provided daily during the climb
- Emergency evacuation covers with AMREF Flying Doctors for Kilimanjaro trek.
- Hotel accommodation includes storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings of clients twice a day.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- Salaries for mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA and KPAP.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
Excluded from Standard Package rates:
- Flights and airport taxes. ( Option We can organize a flight from your destination to JRO)
- Items of a personal nature.
- Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook.
- Entry visa for Tanzania (US$50 per passport holder for most nationalities / US $ 100 per visa for USA passport holders).
- Health requirements (Yellow Fever – only compulsory if you travel to Tanzania via a Yellow Fever infected country, Meningitis & Hepatitis A remains optional, but comes recommended).
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
- Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets.
- Meals and drinks not specified.
Costs of additional services:
- Single supplement, for single tent/room, per trip $300.
- Extra porter, for excess gear, $30 per day.
- Extra hotel night in Moshi, check in 11AM, check out 10AM, per double room $180.
- Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardwear Lamina, synthetic -30F, per trip $50.
- Trekking poles rental, per trip $20.
Tipping
The guidelines for tipping are as follows:
- Guide - $15 to $20 per day
- Assistant Guide - $10 to 15 per day
- Chef - $10 to $15 per day
- Porters - $5 to $8 per day per porter
- These tips are paid as a group rather than by each climber. For example, in a group of 5 climbers, each climber would contribute $3 - $4/day for the guide’s tip.
Examples of climb staff numbers:
- For a group of 3, you would typically have 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 1 cook and 12 to 14 porters.
- For a group of 5, you would typically have 1 guide, 2 assistant guides, 1 cook and 17 - 19 porters.
- For a group of 12, you would typically have 2 guides, 3 assistant guides, 1 cook and 40 – 45 porters.
- The number of porters will depend on the total weight of all gear - including tents, food, utensils, climb staff gear, etc.
WhatsApp us