ATA : 5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Marangu Route.
- 5 Days
Adult
Description
Summit to the roof of Africa with ATA Safaris!
The Marangu route is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established path. It’s a popular choice among climbers because of its gradual ascent. However, the relatively short duration of the route can make it challenging for acclimatization to the altitude. What’s advantageous about the Marangu route is that it features huts all along the way, providing better protection from the cold compared to camping in tents. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Arusha for added convenience.
One of the more interesting aspects of Marangu Route with ATA Safaris is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping, so instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts instead.
These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, which makes this route a popular one for travelers climbing during the rainy season, which comes in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut
While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why Marangu route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”
Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, which has given it the reputation for being the easiest trekking route on Kilimanjaro.
Don’t underestimate this trail however, as the approach to the final camp can be physically demanding with roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone.
Of course, summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge no matter which direction you approach from, making the final steps onto the top all the more satisfying.
Because it is one of the shortest treks to the summit – requiring just five days to reach Uhuru Peak – the Marangu Route is a popular one with trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their climb
Duration
5 Days
Group Size
10
Language
Engilish & Swahili
Highlights
-
Day 1Mandara Hut Budget mountain hut on Mt KilimanjaroLunch & Dinner Included
-
Day 2Horombo Hut Budget mountain hut on Mt KilimanjaroAll Meals Included
-
Day 3Kibo Hut Budget mountain hut on Mt KilimanjaroAll Meals Included
-
Day 4Horombo Hut Budget mountain hut on Mt KilimanjaroAll Meals Included
-
Day 5End of tour (No accommodation)
Included
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gears
- 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
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water (On all days)
Excluded
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Trekking to Mandara
After a hearty breakfast and a briefing, you'll embark on a drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, which takes approximately one hour. Here, you'll complete the necessary registration and kick-start your ascent. Your initial path will lead you through the enchanting rain forest, guiding you to the Mandara encampment.
Along the way, consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater, an excellent vantage point for observing the surrounding landscapes, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Within the rain forest, keep an eye out for majestic Eucalyptus trees, vibrant bird life, and playful Colobus monkeys.
Elevation Change: From 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) to 2,700 meters (8,875 feet)
Distance Covered: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Mandara Hut
Meals
Day 2 : - Trekking to Horombo
Leaving the lush rain forest behind, your journey continues as you ascend through the open moorlands towards the Horombo encampment.
Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Mawenzi and the towering Kibo summit. Keep an eye out for the impressive giant lobelias and ground sels that adorn the landscape. It's worth noting that you might start to feel the effects of higher altitude during this portion of the trek.
Elevation Change: From 2,700 meters (8,875 feet) to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance Covered: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3 - Trekking to Kibo Hut
You'll continue your ascent, leaving the final watering point behind as you traverse the saddle of Kilimanjaro, nestled between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Initially, you'll encounter upper heath land vegetation, but as you progress, it gradually transforms into what resembles a "moonscape." Following this segment of the climb, you'll enjoy dinner, take some rest, and make preparations for the impending summit ascent.
Elevation Change: From 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 4,700 meters (15,500 feet)
Distance Covered: 9 kilometers (5.5 miles)
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4 - Summit Kilimanjaro Mountain
In the early hours of the morning, typically between midnight and 2:00 am, your journey to the summit begins. You'll start the climb on steep and challenging scree or snow terrain, ascending to Gilman's Point, situated on the rim of the crater. From there, your ascent continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
At every turn, you'll be greeted with awe-inspiring views that defy imagination. Don't forget to capture a summit photo to share with your friends and family. Following your summit achievement, you'll begin your descent, making a stop for lunch and rest at Kibo before proceeding to the Horombo encampment.
Elevation Change: From 4,700 meters (15,500 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), then descending to 3,700 meters (12,200 feet)
Distance Covered: 6 kilometers (4 miles) uphill and 15 kilometers (9 miles) downhill
Hiking Duration: 6-8 hours uphill, with a 15-kilometer (9-mile) descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5 - Horombo to Arusha
Following breakfast, you'll embark on a gradual descent. First, you'll traverse the moorland, making your way to the Mandara Hut. From there, you'll continue descending through a lush forested path until you reach the Marangu National Park gate. Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations, and consider wearing gaiters and using trekking poles to help navigate.
Upon reaching the Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha which is approximately a one-hour drive away.
Elevation Change: From 3,700 meters (12,200 feet) to 1,700 meters (5,500 feet)
Distance Covered: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles)
Hiking Duration: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
- Main Destination:
- Arusha (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
End of tour
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