Deals of The Year: Book your Safari and Zanzibar Adventure 2025! Up to 15% OFF
d
h
m
s
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Price
$1550.00
Trip Overview
Itinerary
FAQs
Other Tour Details
FAQs
Trip Overview
Overview
This Marangu Route is also referred to as the “Tourist Route” or “Coca-Cola Route” because it is the most popular of all the routes. And because the route is the only one offering sleeping huts with beverages like Coca-Cola along the way, it is considered tourist-friendly.
Marangu is the easiest of all the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro where the ascending is very much gradual and steady. This is much less painful and challenging as compared to the other routes. But as per the stats, only about 35% of the people reach the top, primarily because they are ill-prepared.
The trekking journey commences at the southeast area of the mountain near the Marangu Gate. It takes a minimum of five days to complete, however, six days is recommended and is deemed more practical. There are living structures all along the way with a dining hall and bunk beds all equipped with mattresses and pillows which are known as sleeping huts. Descend will be down the same path which sometimes makes the Marangu route seem overcrowded. It is cheaper to climb as well because of the small distance between the gate and Moshi, thus making it a shorter route to cover.
Highlights:
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Lemosho Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request
- Season: All year round
- Suitable for: Moderate fitness with previous trekking experience ideal
- Pros: One of the shorter routes, this may be an option for those on a tight time frame and/or budget. With accommodation in huts, it can also be a good option during the rainy season.
- Cons: Trek goes ascends and descends via the same path and approaches the summit from the steeper route via
Departures everyday
Cost Includes/Excludes
- Two way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel ccommodations one night before and one night after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Tanzania
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport a member of our staff will be at holding a We wild Travel placard. You will then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi,
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours,
Day 3 Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
Day 4 Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 5 Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable.Once at the summit, you can take pictures which you will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. Lunch on route The climb will begin in way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layer of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey and a strong will power and an optimistic attitude is required to complete it!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 6 Hike Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m) And Drive to Moshi
Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
Day 7 Depart Tanzania
Depart Tanzania or continue your dream with amazing safari extensions.
For trekkers not continuing with a safari, we provide transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport or bus station for your onward journey.
FAQs
Other Tour Details
FAQs
Tanzania FAQ’s
A compiled a list of the Tanzania Most frequently asked questions in general.
We have put together this in a short section to show you what it’s really like traveling to Tanzania.
Payment
We don’t add any extra charges to the listed booking price.
Check the section about what your program fees include. Depending on your chosen program, you can book add-ons.
Generally, your program fees don’t cover visa costs and personal expenses at your destination. We will inform you of any additional costs during your application.
We accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
Getting to Tanzania is not that cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. High end luxuries will cost more. Costs should include transports to and from the parks, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
Book your trip early. Ideally, 6 months in advance and 10-12 months in advance if you want to witness the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling as its currency. You can widely use Mastercard and Visa, and many ATMs dispense local currency throughout the country
Accordion Content
Accordion Content
Reservation
Prices are usually based on room-sharing however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.
Prior to booking please let us know what your accommodation preference is so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.
Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.
This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.
Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.
We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.
We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.
Weather
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October to early November through to mid-December.
The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.
Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Health and safety
Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.
In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.
Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent,Ministry of health
You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.
The tsetse fly are primarily present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours.
Food and drinks
The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.
Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Easy Travel for Safari drives.
Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.
Flights, insurance, and entry requirements
All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.
Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.
Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.
Tanzania
A visa is required when travelling to Tanzania from the United States and Canada. Currently, this can be obtained at arrival airports and border crossings and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
The best time to travel to Tanzania is from June to October when the country is at its driest.
With an immense range of wildlife, beautiful beaches and much more there is something the whole family will love in Tanzania! Beaches, game reserves, and world-class national parks and accommodations all await.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, including the Zanzibar Archipelago. As in much of Africa, public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are frowned upon and homosexuality is a cultural taboo. LGBTQ travellers who choose to visit Tanzania should exercise discretion and be aware of local sensibilities while in the country.
The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.
The East African mobile operator, Tigo Tanzania has revealed their offering to 10 million subscribers to freely use the instant messaging platform, WhatsApp. The platform is now free in Tanzania. Tigo had in the past introduced zero-rate access to Facebook in Swahili, the ethnic language of Tanzania.
About Nihapa Tours
We are experienced travel consultants, well-versed in the leisure and travel business.
We offer Luxury safari and Beach vacation trips to Tanzania and Zanzibar, Camping safari, and Adventure trips to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
At Nihapa Tours, we really care. We care about our visitors, we care about safety, we care about our guides, and all our staff. We care about Tanzania, its wildlife and the environment. And we love what we do, we want to be the very best!
You may like
Book This Tour
Daily Day Trip Deals
Got a Question or Want Help?
Why Book With Us?
- Middle-man Free Pricing
- Customer care available 24/7
- Hand-picked Tours & Activities
- Evacuation by AMREF Flying Doctors
- 100% Customizable
- Safety and trust
- Local Knowledge
Review Us On
You may like
