Marangu Route
Big Mama Safari Adventures – 6 days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Regular Days with:
10 - 15 km per day
500 - 1000m ascent per day
T3 Trails
> The easiest and most comfortable route
> The climb is constant and moderate
> It is the only route where you sleep in huts, rather than under canvas
Maybe you also heard about this trek as Coca Cola Route. Sponsored by that famous soft drink brand? No. It is the nickname for the Kilimanjaro route that is also known as the Tourist Route. This is not because there are no tourists on the other routes, but because the route is seen as an easier alternative. It is easier, but it is certainly not easy. There are large differences in altitude per day, which can lead to acclimatisation problems for some climbers.
In terms of comfort, the Marangu Route does make a difference. If you don’t like camping, choose the Coca-Cola Route to Uhuru Peak. The Mandara, Horombo and Kibo Huts are relatively luxuriously equipped. Well, you still bring your own sleeping bag and there is no running water at Kibo, but given you are at Kilimanjaro, there is no reason for complaints.
Day 1: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara hut (2,700 m)
In the morning after getting you breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior. You will spend your evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2670 m).
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
This day continues through the heather to the edge of the short cropped moorland plains to Horombo Hut at 3,760m, from where Moshi township and the Pare ranges can be seen on a clear night. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. You will spend your evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. This stage is long and tough and you will pass plantless plateau which links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
You will start the journey in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. The evening meal as well as overnight will be spent there at Horombo lodge.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Moshi
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,860 m). After your arrival at Kilimanjaro National Park you will be taken back to Moshi town.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hut
Included:
√ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotelYour trekking company is able to pick you up from the airport and bring your to your hotel in Moshi, if needed. A transfer back to the airport can also be arranged.
√ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
The transport from Moshi to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park is taken care off. This also applies to the way back.
√ Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are doing the Marangu Route, you’re staying in our strong and well maintained four season mountain tents. Every time you arrive at your camp the tent has already been set up.
(Huts on Marangu Route)
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
√ Double Layered Sleeping Mats
Double layered mats provided by your trekking company will put you to sleep in no time.
√ Hot meals daily while on the mountain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared during the trek. Your trekking company is bringing their own cook. Don’t be surprised when you see an exclusive three course dinner on your plate.
√ Treated and filtered water
During the trek you won’t have a shortage on drinking water.
√ Hot water for washing
Don’t expect an extensive shower, but there will be the possibility to use hot water for a decent wash.
√ Altitude Sickness & First Aid Kit
The guides carry an altitude sickness kit to monitor your pulse rate, oxygen saturation and heart rate twice a day (very useful for monitoring the symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS) at altitude). Also emergency portable oxygen is carried along. On top of that the guides are qualified Wilderness First Responders.
√ KINAPA Rescue Fee
The fees for the Kilimanjaro Rescue Team are covered. This is managed by KINAPA, Kilimanjaro National Parks. Interesting fact: Kinapa means “We carry each other” in Swahili.
√ Park fee, camping fee, VAT and other taxes
The park entry fees, the crater fee, camping fee and value added tax are included in the price.
√ Fair salary, food, insurance and accommodation for guide and porter(s)
The total amount covers not only your own basics, but also those of your guide and porter. No unpleasant surprises.
√ Your own team of porters and guides
Per person you generally have a team of 1 guide, 1 cook and 3 porters who will support you in your climb. If you are part of a group of four, you will be able to enjoy 2 guides, 1 cook and 12 porters. Although there will always be enough hands on deck, the exact amount of support staff varies per trekking company.
Excluded:
× Visa for TanzaniaVisas are required for all visitors, and cost about $50. For most nationalities it is possible to get a visa upon arrival when you arrive at the airport in Tanzania. Check with your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate to see what the requirements are.
× Flights to and from Moshi
The total amount is also exclusive of flights to and from Tanzania. To get an idea of which airlines are visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), it is best to have a look at their website.
× Personal expenses
All personal expenses such as drinks at the bar, washing and other similar expenses are for your own account.
× Travel Insurance Including Repatriation
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before you travel to Tanzania.
× Tipping
Tips for guides and porters are exclusive. You decide what you want to tip, but be generous and read our blog post about tipping when you are planning go trekking in Tanzania.
× Portable flush toilet
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for USD 70 for the entire trek.
× Accommodation before and after the trek
Whether you stay in Moshi, Arusha or anywhere else, before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation and meals.
Accomodation
Four Season Mountain tents
Unless you are choosing the Marangu Route, you will be staying in durable tents that are equipped for all weather situations. A few porters will always trek ahead of you to make sure that your tent is ready when you arrive. There will also be tables and chairs. Accommodation comes with freshly prepared meals. Every campsite has a long drop toilet. Along the trek you can find your private space behind a rock.
Huts on Marangu Route
On the Marangu Route you will be provided with a bed in one of the huts on the way to Uhuru Peak. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut
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