Tanzania Safaris: KILIMANJARO CLIMB/MARANGU ROUTE

Marangu route is the most popular route and is also known as the Coco-Cola route. It takes 5 days to complete, and climbers stay in huts with beds. This is the only route where you sleep in huts -- on all other routes you sleep in tents.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 Moshi
Arrival at your hotel. If you need to hire any extra gear, advise the hotel this evening. Re-Pack your bag carefully for the climb - remember the weight limit of 12kg. Dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 2 Mandara
After breakfast transferred to Marangu Gate - approx 1.5 hours drive. Your guide will do paperwork with the National Parks as well as sorting out luggage and the porters. Please do not expect to start climbing immediately - there will probably be at least an hour or more delay at the Park Gate.

Commence climb through superb rainforest to Mandara Hut (2,700m), approximately 4 hrs from the Park Gate. There is a detour on this route, which is well worth following - discuss with your guide before you set off. All meals are included during the climb, and your guide/porters will prepare for you.

**Please note we have been advised that there is now a 12kg luggage limit per porter, i.e. please try and keep your luggage to 12kg, a barrel/soft bag, or a backpack in some cases, is preferred as they tend to carry everything on their heads.**

Your accommodation is in dormitory style chalets. There are no shower/bath facilities while doing the climb and toilets will be long drops. You will be provided with bowls of warm water each morning, on request, to wash with. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut (LDBB)

Day 3 Horombo
Continue climb to Horombo Hut, (3,700m). A steep sometimes wet, 20 min walk through the upper part of the rainforest, followed by a 2km section of tall giant heather interspersed with large clumps of tussock grass. 15kms and approximately 5 hrs from Mandara. The vegetation will have changed to stunted clumps of heather, the 'everlasting' flowers and short tussock grasses. Lobelia and groundsels occupy the wetter areas. All meals included. It is vital to keep your fluid intake high. Minimum 2 liter of water, plus tea, soups and juices. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (LDBB)

Day 4 Kibo
Ascend the last water point and trek across the barren 'saddle'. The path traverses west, before turning northwards between Middle Red Hill and the Triplets. It then turns west for the final 3km to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut (LDBB)

Day 5 Horombo
Mid night trek for the final ascent. Please ensure you take a good torch and spare batteries. A 4-5hr slow walks up increasingly steep screen to Gillman's Point (5,690m). From here a 1-2hrs walk around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896m). After the assault on the peak descend to Horombo Hut. All meals included. This is an incredibly long and tiring day. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (LDBB)

Day 6 Moshi
After breakfast descend to the Park Gates in 5-7 hrs. You are transferred back to Ameg lodge for dinner and overnight at Ameg Lodge (DBB)

Day 7 Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Depending with the mode of transfer and time, you will be picked from your hotel and transfer to your respective destinations.

NB. Day 4 Extra day at Horombo Hut to acclimatize. Acclimatisation walk until 4,000m to “Zebra Rock”. Stay overnight at Horombo Hut.

The Package Includes:
2 Nights at Ameg Lodge
1 Night at Mandara Hut
2 Nights at Horombo Hut
1 Night at Kibo Hut

The Package Excludes:
All International Flights + Taxes
Visas
Travel & Personal accident insurance
Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls...etc.
Excursions not detailed in above program

Added Value:
Complimentary 188 page VA Safari Guide covering the whole of East Africa
Complimentary VA Safari Pouch with a pen
Complimentary VA Hat

Health Requirements
All climbers MUST be in top physical condition, as this is a rigorous physical climb requiring strength and endurance. Please note you will need a Yellow Fever Inoculation, this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure. If you have had any previous history of Liver Disorders you must consult your physician first. Malaria prophylactics are a must.

Tips
These are considered to be compulsory for all attempting Kilimanjaro, it has become a tradition! Please budget at least USD100 for this ten-day camping hike - per guest - which gets split across the group. Old clothing is also appreciated!

Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have sufficient Medical Cover for the duration of your trip and in particular to cover you while doing the Kilimanjaro Climb.