6-day Marangu Route Itinerary and Local village tour
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route 6 days/5 nights (Dormitory) & Marangu Village Tour
Highlights
Marangu is the route to the roof of Africa, famously known as the “Coca Cola Route.” The Marangu route is the easiest, cheapest, and one of the busiest routes to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodation. Climbs can take five or six days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit. Moreover, including the local village tour in your itinerary before embarking on a big Mt. Kilimanjaro adventure is a great way to acclimatize, experience the local culture, and prepare mentally and physically for the big climb ahead.
Day 1, Moshi town:
Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), you will be greeted by our warm, friendly guide(s). After the long international flight, you will be transferred to a nearby hotel to rest and relax. During the day, on your way to the nearby hotel from the KIA hotel, you may get the chance to view the mountain showing itself for some time before being shrouded in clouds. Overnight in the hotel, and notice the sounds and smells of Moshi town all around you.
Overnight: Lodge in Moshi Meal: Breakfast
Day 2: Marangu Village & Coffee Tour (recommended for acclimatization)
After breakfast, you will drive from your hotel for 45 minutes to Marangu village for the local tour. If you would be interested, we will prepare local food, which we can share. The name Marangu comes from the local Chagga word meaning spring water,’ and the village itself is located in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, about 40 km from Moshi town. This one-day trip tour takes you to various natural and cultural sites around Marangu.
Activities
- Waterfalls (Kinukamori, Ndoro, & Kilasia): Make a splash in the mountain water of Kilimanjaro and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
- Chagga Museum: The Chagga culture and history can be explored by visiting the museum. There are several exhibitions, including a reconstructed thatched Chagga house.
- Underground Chagga Tunnels: These tunnels were used many years ago (before independence) by the Chagga people to hide from their enemies during clan wars.
- Local Bar: Drop into one of the local Chagga bars and drink the traditional “mbege” a local brew made from millet and banana wine. Coffee and Banana Farms: Visit coffee farms and a local home where you can enjoy local dishes and learn the traditional process of preparing coffee.
- Short hike: hike to Ndoro waterfall through the beautiful rainforest and enjoy the breathtaking 80-meter-high Materuni waterfall. Swim in the refreshing natural pool (optional; please bring swimwear if you’re interested).
- After the nature walk to the waterfall and lunch, you will proceed with the coffee tour and experience. Here, you will learn the complete process of traditional coffee-making, from bean to cup. You will have the chance to participate in coffee de-pulping, roasting, and grinding using traditional tools like mortar and pestle. You can also enjoy a fresh cup of locally brewed organic coffee. Later, you will begin your drive back, arriving in Moshi by 4:30 PM.
Overnight: Lodge in Moshi Meal: Breakfast
Day 3, Mandara Hut (2700 m):
Leave your hotel after breakfast and drive to Marangu Gate to meet your guides and porters. After the paperwork, you will start your climb, walking to the rain forest to Mandara Hut. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly to save energy for the next day. On the way, you will enjoy the view of the white and black colobus monkeys, and birds. Hiking time is 3-4 hours and sometimes less or more depending on your steps.
Day 4, Mandara Hut-Horombo Hut (3700 m):
After breakfast, leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path up the Moorland to Horombo Hut. Hiking time is 5-7 hours. Also on the way, you will observe some plant species like endemic plants such as Impatiens Kilimanjaro while enjoying the pole-pole pace
Day 5, Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut:
Horombo Hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 140 climbers! You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo Hut is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi ridge (4310 m), passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3.5 hours up and down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly. Also, you will see Mawenzi’s peak
Day 6, Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4700m)::
Ascending, across the Alpine Desert, pass the “Last Water Point at 4,130 m,” and then proceed walking on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, before arriving at Kibo Hut. On the way, you will enjoy the landscapes, and you are free to take some pictures for future remembrance. Hiking time is 5-6 hours.
Day 7: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5895m) then Kibo Hut – Horombo Hut (3700m)
A long, hard day! Leaving at 00:00 am or earlier for the summit on steep and heavy screes up to Gilman’s Point at 5685m/18,466’. Before reaching Gilman’s point, you will see Hans Meyer’s curve, where you will rest for a few minutes before carrying on. Also, at Gilman’s Point, you will take a rest and enjoy the views at the crater rim before ascending to Uhuru Peak. You will reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 7 a.m. up to 8:00 a.m. At this early hour, before the clouds close in, we have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. The hiking time is 6-7 hours. Then, take some photos of the sunrise view and pictures on the board signs
After that, you descend, going straight down to Kibo Hut for lunch and then carrying on to Horombo Hut for overnight. It is a long descent, and trekking poles are recommended. Then we say congratulations; you have made it to the Roof of Africa!
Day 8, Horombo Hut-Moshi:
Our last hike of 5-6 hours is a descent to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and enjoy a picnic lunch and different local songs from the crew. The trip leaders will take you back to your hotel for a much-welcome hot shower and a celebration dinner.
Overnight: Lodge Moshi Meal: Breakfast
Departure:
For those returning home, you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight either on the same day evening or the next day, depending on your flight schedule. Those continuing on safari will be picked up at your hotel for the continuation of your unforgettable Tanzania tour.
Package Includes:-
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping/hut fees, and climbing permits.
- Tanzania VAT on tourism activities
- Local village tour
- Some mountain equipment like water bottles, walking poles, etc.
- Big services on the mountain
- Transfer to the gate on the starting dates and after a climb
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees.
- The chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter and emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only, not as summiting aid)
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
- Qualified and well-trained mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters
- Salaries for the mountain support crew, as per required KINAPA minimum payments
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
- Unlimited drinking water
- Warm water for washing up daily
- Porter to carry your duffel bag (stuff), with a maximum weight of 19 kg from one camp to the next camp, and the weight decreased as we moved from one camp to another.
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
Package Excludes:-
- International flights
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Visa and Passport
- An extra night at the lodge or hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Vaccinations & medicines
- Tips/gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (guide $25-$30per day, chef $20-$25 per day and porters $10-$15 per porter per day)
- Other expenditures like luxury drinks and beverages, alcoholic drinks at lodges or hotels, or on your trip, as well as souvenirs and personal items after or before the trip.
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in the itinerary
- Any additional services that will be requested
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