Zara Tours guides treks up the Marangu Route, which is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro's summit and is known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist" route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Basic men's and ladies' latrines are available at the last camp. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation). This route is usually done in 5 days, but you can do it in 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo's sub peak Mawenzi.
Climbing Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route
Inclusions
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Two nights accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb)
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters and First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO - Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
- Food & drinks
Exclusions
- Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel (except on the 1 person rate)
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent. See our rental price list.
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit)
- Visa fees & travel insurance.
- Flight tickets.
Tour Plan
Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or similar overnight.
Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.
Altitude: 1,800 m – 2,720 m
Hiking time: 4 hours
Leave Springlands hotel at about 8:00 a.m. and drive 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate, such as registrations. Begin hiking at about 10:30 a.m. Hike through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut, which takes about 4 hours. Stop halfway for lunch. Reach the Mandara Huts at about 2 or 3 p.m. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during the early evening, at about 7 p.m. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings and the views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Altitude: 2,720 m – 3,720 m
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Wake up for breakfast (approx. 7:30 a.m.) and pack for the next leg. Break camp at about 8:30 am and hike to Horombo Hut. This leg should take 5 to 6 hrs. You travel through lower-heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts at about 3 p.m. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.
Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,720 m
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but disappears into a “moonscape.” Dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
Altitude: 4,720 m – 5,895 m
Hiking time: 7 hours
Wake to a light breakfast around midnight, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out in the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 a.m. and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 a.m. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to UhuruPeak at about 8:30 a.m. From there, you will descend back to Kibo Huts, collect your things, and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts, where you will spend the night. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.
Wake, as usual, pack, and descend to Mandara Huts. Have your lunch there and continue to the park gate, where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 2 or 3 p.m. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, Overnight in Springlands hotel. It is recommended to tip guides and porters. This is highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the main guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,759m) are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.
Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.
Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. Zanzibar is a great trip to take after a hard climb. Other trips around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region can be arranged at a reasonable price.
Meeting / Pickup
Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.
Know Before You Go
- Passport required
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 1 day before start
Non-refundable after 1 day before start
Reviews
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