5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREK
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Overview
The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is the least expensive route but more so, it is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season. It is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier compared to Machame route.
This route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones from tropical rainforest to eternal ice, and will also treat you to scenic African landscapes. Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route.
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Tour Plan
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate for 45 minutes. Register to the authority offices then commence with the 5 – 7 hours hiking. Walk through the rain forest to the Mandara hut. At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
In the morning after breakfast start trekking 5 – 6 hours to Horombo hut. You will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo hut. The view of Kibo summit and Mawenzi are both stunning and shinning in clear days. Horombo hut is a point where most of the climbers use it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
In the morning after breakfast the 4 -8 hours trek will take us to the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into desert like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner, drink lots of water, take a nap and at the middle of the night prepare for summit climb.
Night departure from Kibo Hut and the start of your 9 -12 hours trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak the roof of Africa. The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut. On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.
Finish the trek with a descent to Marangu gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Your vehicle will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you to your desired destination.
