NeishaQuest Tours and Adventures presents a journey along the Marangu Route, renowned as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. This trail, acknowledged as the simplest and shortest, offers a distinctive experience. Unlike any other route on Kilimanjaro, it features solar-powered sleeping huts at each camp, ensuring a level of comfort. The huts, designed for communal use, are equipped with cozy beds, sponge mattresses, and pillows.
Both Mandara and Kibo Huts house 60 beds each, while Horombo Hut boasts 120 beds. The lower huts offer amenities such as bathrooms and running water. At the final camp, rudimentary men’s and women’s latrines are available.
Embarking from the park headquarters located in Marangu village, the route extends westward, leading to Kibo. It traverses diverse landscapes including lush rainforests, heathlands, moorlands, and alpine deserts, culminating in the arctic zone at the summit. The return journey follows the same path.
The expedition commences at the southeastern base of Mount Kilimanjaro, with the trailhead, Marangu gate
Day of Arrival:
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transported to Moshi’s Hotels or Lodges. Here, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. Your guide will acquaint you with the upcoming trek and assess your gear. Don’t worry if you’re missing any mountain equipment – you can rent what you need on this day. Prepare for an overnight stay in Moshi.
Day 2: Journey to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,840m/6,037ft to 2,700m/8,858ft, Trekking time: 4-5 hours
After a hearty breakfast and briefing by your guide, depart Moshi at 9:00 AM. A 45-minute drive will lead you to the Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro’s eastern side. Register with the national park and begin your hike around 10:30 AM. In the rainforest, marvel at Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys. Expect damp and muddy conditions at these lower altitudes; gaiters and trekking poles will aid your journey. Dress in shorts and t-shirts, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible. Pause for lunch midway and reach Mandara Huts by 2 or 3 PM. Unpack, relax, and enjoy tea or coffee. A short 15-minute detour to Maundi Crater unveils picturesque views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Dinner is served around 7:00 PM.
Day 3: Progressing to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m/8,858ft to 3,720m/12,205ft, Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Begin your day with a 7:30 AM breakfast and prepare for the next leg of your journey. Break camp by 8:30 AM, trek through rainforest glades for an hour, and then ascend through heathland, home to giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue into open moorlands adorned with small shrubs. Stop for lunch and soak in breathtaking views of Mawenzi. Arrive at Horombo Huts by 3:00 PM, offering a glimpse of Kibo’s summit. Rest, unpack, and get ready for dinner. Accessible restrooms with running water are provided. You might start feeling the effects of altitude here. For acclimatization, consider an extra day’s rest at Horombo or a climb to a basecamp near Kibo’s sub-peak Mawenzi.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (Acclimatization)
Dedicate this day to acclimatization, boosting your odds of summit success. Familiarize yourself with summit weather and conditions. Spend the day hiking to Zebra Rocks or relaxing at Horombo Hut. Stay hydrated, rest well, and enjoy dinner and the night’s rest at Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Proceeding to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,703m/15,430ft, Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Following breakfast, venture through the Alpine desert terrain. Pass the “Last Water Point” and continue to the Saddle, a barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Reach Kibo Hut (4,703m/15,430ft), nestled at the base of Kibo crater. Rest and prepare for the upcoming summit attempt. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at Kibo Hut.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Awaken around midnight for a light meal before embarking on the summit attempt.
Undertake the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa.
The route from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s Point is steep and demanding. From Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,638ft), the trail remains challenging due to high altitude. Reach Uhuru Peak, relish in your accomplishment, and descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing to the Marangu Gate.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Pass through heath and moor zones to Mandara Hut, where a warm lunch awaits. Traverse the tropical rainforest and, after 5-6 hours of trekking, arrive at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Celebrate your successful climb and receive summit certificates. Return to Hotel or logdge in Moshi for a well-deserved rest. You may consider a trip to Zanzibar’s beaches or wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Mkomazi, Arusha national park etc to recuperate. We can arrange reasonably priced trips and safaris in Moshi/ Kilimanjaro/ Arusha or as your wish
Important Note:
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro demands preparation and acclimatization. Select a reputable tour operator like Neishaquest tours and Adventure. Be mindful that the itinerary may adjust based on weather and group pace.
Included:
Two nights at Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb), double/triple occupancy
Breakfast on the first night and dinner/breakfast on the last night
Qualified guides and mountain crew
National park and camping fees
Necessary equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear)
Rescue fees and first aid supplies
Guiding team’s accommodation, meals, and entry fees on the mountain
Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airport)
All mountain meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Boiled water on the mountain
Not Included:
Single room supplement
Tips for guides, porters, cook, and waiters
Unspecified meals and drinks
Rental climbing gear gear
Car supplement for specific routes
Personal expenses
Emergency oxygen
Additional hotel nights
Extra activities
Visa fees and travel insurance
Flight tickets from to home
This tour starts and ends in Moshi
This operator can help select your international flights, but you’ll have to book them yourselfhelp
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) near Moshi
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
