Marangu Route 6 Day /5 nights

The Marangu Route is also known as the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.” This is because Marangu is the most popular route on the mountain, and thus is considered “touristy”, and because the route is the only one that offers sleeping huts, which serve beverages like Coca-Cola, on the way.

Marangu is the easiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s ascension profile is very gradual and steady, allowing for painless trekking for most of the way. However, due to its reputation as an easy route, Marangu is often selected by unprepared, unexperienced climbers. Correspondingly, only about 35% of the people actually make it to the top.

The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended. The sleeping huts along the route are structures with a dining hall and bunk beds, equipped with mattresses and pillows. The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu’s overcrowded feeling. It is a cheaper climb as well, do to the close proximity of the gate to Moshi, the gateway town, and because it is a shorter route.

Scenically, Marangu is not a desirable route compared to all the other routes because it confines climbers to one area of the mountain, thus limiting the variety. However, Marangu has the best trail in the rainforest section of the trek. Of course, there are still great views of the Mawenzi and it’s equally spectacular for everyone at Uruhu.

Marangu is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths. It’s also attractive for those who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu’s huts offer shelter and warmth against the weather so it is a decent choice when climbing during the rainy season. Marangu is for those who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind crowds.

Day 0: Arriving at Kilimanjaro international airport you will be picked then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight, briefing will be done after arrived at hotel.

Day 1: after breakfast you will be picked at 8: 00 am and proceed on to the office for equipment check-up, all the luggage which won’t be needed for the trek will be stored in our office / Hotel At 9.15am we will depart for Momella gate. Approximately 2hrs
Momella gate is located near shamba la mbogo natural glade in Mt meru reserve, it is situated at 1,500m above sea level .Tow routs are available from Momella gate. The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and then through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.
After all formalities, we begin trekking accompanied by armed ranger. We will ascend up to miriakamba Hut suited at 2,500m above sea level .The trekking takes approximately 3 hours .we will be walking amidst the montane forest where various species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the mountain. There are beautifully views of Arusha national park’s various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and, weather –permitting, spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen.

Day 2
From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared to other mountains in the region .We continue our ascend on a narrow winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of little Meru can be seen on a clear day , just as you approach saddle Hut.Buffalo footprints can be seen .some bird species ,and plenty of Africana Masaica ,a shrub plant that stings can also be seen on both sides of the trail .The ascend takes approximately 4 hours .After our arrival at saddle Hut (3.500m) you have the option to embark on 45 minute walk to little Meru( 3,820m)it has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass cover to give you good grip . One can see the Kenyan border from the peak of litter Meru, Ngara Nanyuki –a town that lies after the Arusha National park, as well as gorgeous views of west Mt,Kilimanjaro and Longido.

Day 3:
Our ascent to big Meru , the summit of Mt, Meru (4.566) begins at around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert zone .The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours .Along we will pass Rhino point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater . Conditions are cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in this section of the route. From the summit we return to saddle Hut breakfast and then proceed to miriakamba hut for lunch dinner and overnight (2500m)

Day 4
After breakfast proceed with your morning trekking to Momella gate with lunch en route you have two routes as option .
Route one is a straight descend to Momella gate same way as you went up -3hrs
Route two is a scenic route through the Meru crater down the montage forest ending up at Momella gate -6hrs.

You will be transferred from Momella gate to hotel, expected to be at hotel around 4pm
Dinner and overnight at hotel,

Main Features:
Park Headquartersof the easiest and most popular summit –bound trails wildlife can be seen ( mainly Sykes Monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys) Marangu trail is maintained and is furnished with sleeping and dining huts as wellas toilet and shower facilities in the main huts ( madara, Horombo and kibo) treks via this route must be booked in advance to reserve the huts trek (to the summit) requires 5 days hence cheaper than other routescrater offers stunning views of the pare and blue mountain as well as Mawenzi peak on a clear day day for acclimatization can be spending on day 3.day is spent walking to Mawenzi Tarn Hut and back to Horombo Hut.

Day 5:
Marangu gate to Mandara Hut
Ascent: 1,700 meters to 2,700 meters
Distance: 7 km

Day 6:
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Ascent: 2,700 meters to 3,700 meters

Distance: 11.8 Km

Day 7
Horombo Hut to Zebra Rocks
Ascent; 3,700 meters to 3,800 meters
Distance: 4 KM

Day 8:
Horombo Hut To kibo Hut
Ascent: 3,700 meters to 4,700 meters
Distance: 12 KM

Day 9:
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Ascent / descend: 4,700 meters to 5.895 meters then to 3,700 meters
Distance: 19 KM

Day 10:
Horombo Hut to Marangu gate
Descent: 3,700 meters to 1,700 meters
Distance: 18.8 Km

You will be picked at Marangu gate then transferred to Arusha at East Africa hotel for hot lunch and handing over certificates (kind of celebration ceremony)

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