OVERVIEW

07 DAYS MOUNT KENYA ROCK CLIMBING VIA NORMAL ROUTE – SIRIMON – CHOGORIA TRAVERSE

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” or the “Tourist Route,” is the oldest and most well-established trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a popular choice due to its reputation as being relatively easier with a gradual slope and the unique offering of hut accommodation instead of camping.

Key Features of the Marangu Route:

  • Hut Accommodation: he Machame Route is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll trek through lush rainforests at the start, transition to heath and moorland, traverse the Shira Plateau with its panoramic views, navigate the dramatic rock formations around the Lava Tower and the imposing Barranco Wall,
  • Shorter Duration (Potentially): The route can be completed in 5 or 6 days, making it one of the shorter options to the summit. However, the 5-day option has a significantly lower success rate due to limited acclimatization time.
  • Direct Path: The trail follows a direct path to the summit, ascending and descending along the same route. This can be seen as both a pro (easy navigation) and a con (less varied scenery).
  • Lower Success Rate (Potentially): Despite its “easier” reputation, the Marangu Route often has a lower summit success rate compared to routes like Machame or Lemosho. This is primarily attributed to the faster ascent profile, which doesn’t allow for optimal acclimatization.
  • Crowded Trail: Due to its popularity and hut accommodation, the Marangu Route can be more crowded than other routes, especially during peak season.
  • Scenic but Less Varied: While the scenery is beautiful, traversing the same path for ascent and descent means less diversity in the landscapes you’ll experience. You’ll still journey through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.

Who Should Choose the Marangu Route?

The Marangu Route might be a good option for:

  • Trekkers who strongly prefer sleeping in huts over tents.
  • Individuals looking for a potentially shorter climb (though the 6-day option is highly recommended for better acclimatization).
  • Those who prefer a more direct and well-trodden path.
  • Climbers during the rainy seasons (April-May and November-December) as the huts offer better protection from the elements.

Important Considerations:

  • Acclimatization: The faster ascent profile can lead to altitude sickness. Opting for the 6-day itinerary with the acclimatization day at Horombo is highly recommended.
  • Scenery Repetition: Be aware that you will see the same views on your descent.
  • Crowds: Expect more fellow trekkers on this route compared to others.

In conclusion, the Marangu Route offers a unique Kilimanjaro climbing experience with its hut accommodation and direct path. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential for lower acclimatization and higher traffic. Choosing the 6-day itinerary and maintaining a slow pace (“pole pole”) are essential for a safer and more successful summit attempt.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 : NAIROBI – ARUSHA ( APPROX. 4HRS DRIVE)

7.15 am – 8.00 a.m. Depart for Arusha aboard the shuttle bus, lunch enroute. Spend the afternoon organizing any gear you may require for the trek. Overnight at Arusha Center Inn Hotel on bed and breakfast basis. Lunch and dinner on own arrangement.

DAY 2: ARUSHA – MANDARA HUT

Elevation :1700m to 2740m
Walking Time:4-5 hours
Distance: 7kms
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment located at 9000 ft / 2740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colubus monkeys.

DAY 3 :MANDARA HUT – HOROMBO HUT

Elevation:2700m to 3700m
Distance:11 km
Walking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat:Heathland
After about 1 hour, you will 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 will start to feel the affects of the altitude. If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

DAY 4 :HOROMBO HUT

Acclimatization day – Circuit tour to Mawenzi .

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

Elevation:3700m to 4700m
Distance:10 km
Walking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

DAY 6: KIBO HUT –SUMMIT(UHURU PEAK 5895M) – HOROMBO HUT

Elevation:4700m to 5895m to 3700m
Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down
Walking time :10-15 hours
Habitat:Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim at 18640 ft / 5861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19340 ft / 5895 m (1-2 hours). Unbelievable views at every turn. Get your picture taken at the summit to show your friends. From here, we now descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a tired but happy overnight (1-2 hours).
This beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. “Pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT – ARUSHA

Elevation:3700m to 1700m
Distance:18km
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast, A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858 ft), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1830 m / 6004 ft). At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to the Arusha Hotel in Arusha Dinner on own.

Cost of Safari

The cost of this safari will vary depending on date of travel, type of accommodation, transport mode and number of people on the safari.

Please contact us on email sales@goeastafricasafaris.com or phone
+254 768 761 321 and we shall get back to you within the shortest time possible.

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Included in the Safari Cost

  • Transport to & from the mountain ex Nairobi (Shuttle Bus)
  • Accommodation at Arusha or Moshi Hotel BB (2nights)
  • Porters, Guide & Cooks Fee
  • Three meals a day whilst on the mountain
  • All hut & camping fees
  • All park entry fees
  • Certificate of achievement

Excluded in the Safari Cost

  • Tipping to the guide & porters, cooks
  • Personal climbing gear – clothing’s & rucksack
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Beverages & mineral water Items of personal nature.
  • Visa

Ready to go? We got you!