Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Ascent
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Dive into the heart of a unique and intense adventure by climbing Africa’s highest point: the ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route. In just eight days, you will cross four exceptional ecosystems – tropical forest, high-altitude moorland, semi-desert zone and summit ice fields – in what is recognised as the most accessible, direct route, equipped with comfortable huts.
Imagine yourself, from the very first days, nestled in the dense forest from Marangu Gate, breathing in the humid air, accompanied by the vibrant chorus of birds, before making your way to Mandara Hut. Then, as the air grows thinner and the trails rise up to Horombo Hut, you will feel the body’s excitement as it acclimatises, as in that oxygenation day at 3,720 m dedicated to your well-being
Each morning will awaken you to ever more expansive panoramas, from the misty valley to the Kibo crater nestled above the clouds. When you reach Gilmans Point, on the edge of the crater, and finally summit at Uhuru Peak, the magic of the sunrise will reveal a world frozen in ice, with the majesty of Mawenzi as a backdrop
Safari Tanzania. This summit, above 5,800 m, is earned after a gradual ascent that respects your physical rhythm; a passage that will transform you, at the crossroads of effort, contemplation and self-overcoming.
This route, known as the “Coca-cola Road”, is popular with hikers thanks to its comfort (huts with bedding, showers and electricity), but that is also why it allows you to project yourself with peace of mind: no carrying, finely paced progress, and stages designed to offer you the best viewpoint at each level. You will experience a condensed burst of emotions – the curiosity of discovery, the tranquillity of the wind at altitude, the pride of every step climbed – until that ultimate moment, facing an infinite horizon: where sky and earth merge. This summary is far more than a story; it is a moving invitation to imagine yourself too, standing on Kilimanjaro, heart pounding, with the full rainbow of the human soul spread out at your feet.
Price includes
- All transfers for the group as specified in the programme;
- A French-speaking head guide for the ascent and the pre-ascent briefing;
- Full board during the Kilimanjaro ascent; and the meals indicated in the programme;
- The assistance of one or more assistant guides, a team of porters and one or more cooks;
- Park entrance fees of 910 USD/person for 6 days at Kilimanjaro;
- One night in Arusha before and after the trek (or equivalent);
- A decompression chamber will be available throughout the ascent;
- Nights in mountain huts during the ascent, remember to bring a sleeping bag;
- VAT on transport, accommodation and services;
The price does not include
- International flights;
- Tanzanian visa fees (USD 50);
- Hotel costs in the event of abandoning the climb;
- Individual insurance (cancellation/baggage, assistance/repatriation, multi-risk);
- Tips for guides and porters (from USD 130 to 280 per client);
- Options and extras not included in the programme;
- Dinner in Arusha on day 1 and lunch on the last day;
- Any increase in park fees or government taxes
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Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer
Welcome on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the lodge located near the airport.
Free dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
- Stages : Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Accommodation : Moyoni Airport Lodge
Marangu Gate/Mandara hut
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres. During the formalities, meet your cook and porters. Set off for around 4 hours of walking at a gentle pace, through dense, humid forest to Mandara Hut (2,750 metres).
If you are still feeling energetic upon arrival at the hut, a short walk to Maundi Crater is a must, where you will enjoy a wonderful view over the plain, Lake Jipe and, in the distance, the Pare and Usambara Mountains.
Dinner served at the hut. A hot, hearty meal will help you gather strength for the following day.
- Stages : Marangu Gate - Mandara hut
- Accommodation : Overnight in a mountain hut.
Mandara hut/Horombo Hut
Departure at around 08:00. Approximately 45 minutes’ walk through the forest, then continuing across the high-altitude moorland before reaching your second refuge at 3,720 metres. Magnificent view of Mawenzi.
Dinner and overnight at the refuge.
- Stages : Mandara hut - Horombo Hut
- Accommodation : Stay in a refuge.
Horombo Hut/ Acclimatisation Day
Enjoy this day at Horombo to acclimatise gently to the altitude. You can go on a walk lasting a few hours to discover the landscapes; the aim of this day is to see how your body reacts to the altitude.
- Stages: Horombo Hut
- Accommodation: Hut accommodation
Horombo Hut/ Kibo hut
Taking the left-hand path this time after the hut, you will pass the last water point.
The vegetation gradually disappears to make way for a desert. It is essential to force yourself to walk slowly, as well as to enjoy the grand atmosphere of the high-altitude deserts and the scenery.
You will reach Kibo Hut, the last hut at 4,700 metres.
- Stages: Kibo hut
- Accommodation: Hut accommodation
Kibo hut/Gilman’s Point/Horombo hut
Very early departure in the night. The slope is steep and steady, and the actual ascent begins.
Stop at Hans Meyer Cave along the way. The cold becomes very intense.
After 5/6 hours of walking, at first light, you will arrive at Gilman’s Point (5,685 metres). The first summit, that is to say the rim of the crater. The true summit, Uhuru Peak (Peak of Freedom), 5,895 metres, is reached in 1 hour 30 minutes’ walking along the snow-covered ridge of the volcano: the summit of Africa and the crowning achievement of all your efforts: you can then allow 1 hour 30 minutes to return to Gilman’s Point and another two hours to reach Kibo Hut before arriving at Horombo Hut.
- Stages: Giman’s point
- Accommodation: Lodging in a mountain hut
Horombo hut/Marangu Gate/Arusha
A gentle descent to the starting point of the trek, passing through Mandara Hut. Arrival at Marangu Gate 4 or 5 hours later. Welcomed by the driver.
Welcome at the gate and transfer to your hotel
Dinner and overnight at Moyoni Airport Lodge (or similar)
- Stops : Arusha
- Accommodation : Moyoni Airport Lodge
Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast at the lodge, you will have a free morning to organise on site.
Lunch not included.
After lunch, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flight or flight to Zanzibar for the extension.
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