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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Roaming around Tanzania and looking for an exhilarating experience? Climb Mt Kilimanjaro via the 'Coca Cola' Marangu Route, one of the oldest and most well-traversed routes, suitable for both veterans and novices. Trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert as you ascend toward Uhuru Peak, taking in beautiful vistas along the way. With an acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut and overnight stays before and after the climb, this 8-day adventure offers a classic Kilimanjaro experience.
Climb Mt Kilimanjaro via the 'Coca Cola' Marangu Route, one of the oldest and most well-traversed routes, suitable for both veterans and novices.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive in Moshi.
Lodge at the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and a perfect place to prepare for the adventure.
Gather at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort. Bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
After breakfast, make a short journey to the National Park gate for the necessary formalities.
Start the trek with a climb through the fascinating tropical rainforest and reach the first hut at Mandara for dinner and overnight. An alternative is to simply rest and relax in the beautiful forest around the camp.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m): 5-6 hours walking.
Make a steep ascent through the forest, with the path opening out into the moorland. In clear weather, there are great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Arrive at Horombo Hut by mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): 4-6 hours walking.
Walk towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the Zebra Rocks.
This extra day and night at Horombo are for additional acclimatisation. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly.
All meals for the day are provided at Horombo Hut.
Climb gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle, between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours of walking will be taken at a slow pace.
The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m); 4-6 hours walking.
Start the final and most demanding part of the climb at around 1 a.m. A steep climb over loose volcanic scree and a slow but steady pace will take you to the rim of the main crater, Gillman's Point at 5,685 m.
The descent to Kibo Hut is amazingly fast, and after some refreshment, the trail descends to Horombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3,720 m); 13-15 hours walking.
Descend past Mandara Hut to Marangu National Park, where successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.
From here, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and overnight.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate: 6-7 hours walking.
Head to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight.
Where this trip takes you
Mandara Hut rainforest, Zebra Rocks and Horombo Hut, Gillman's Point and Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi and from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only - not as a summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified English-speaking Kilimanjaro mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress)
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (maximum weight 15 kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
Comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
Flying Doctor Service
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (average tip is anything from US $230 to US $300 per hiker - depending on the number of days, how many hikers are in the group, and the route chosen)
South African passport holders do not require a visa for Tanzania; however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)
Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear - some of the gear can be rented from our equipment store in Tanzania
Optional but highly recommended portable toilet
Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
Meals, drinks, and snacks not specified
Personal hiking/trekking gear
Snacks
Personal medicine
Water purifying tablets
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro:
Normally, March, April, and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided. November is usually a short-rain season, but it does not often rain every day, so climbing is possible. The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February, and also August and September. July can be colder, and November to December can be wet. January to February are the warmest months, with skies almost clear of clouds each evening and morning. The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Marangu.
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