Marangu is also known as the “Coca Cola” route. This is the most straightforward route on the mountain. The Marangu route takes you through the forests, moorlands and then across the Saddle (a high-altitude desert) to Kibo. The path to the summit is a zigzag route up steep scree, which makes a slower ascend then on the other routes. Marangu is also the only route you ascend and descend with. It is also the only route providing huts.
Meet guide and start hiking from Marangu Gate (1800 m). Hike through a fascinating rain forest to Mandara Hut. Picnic lunch en route. Hike to Maundi Crater (45 min from Mandara hut) or rest upon arrival.
Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Average hiking time: 4 – 6 Hours
Day 2
Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
2 705m (8 875ft) – 3 719m (12 201ft)
After breakfast start hiking to Horombo Hut. Leave the last glade of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Picnic lunch en route. “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora a long the way. Remember, the slower you go, the more easily your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Giant Senecios stands tall along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Average hiking time: 5 - 6 Hours
Day 3
Acclimatization Day
An extra day at Horombo to acclimatize to the altitude. It is highly recommended by us to hike to “Zebra Rock” (3 980m / 13 058ft) - rocks striped by weather. If energy and time aloud you can walk to the foot of Mawenzi. Return to Horombo in the afternoon. Pack lunch en route.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Average hiking time: 7 Hours
Day 4
Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
3 719m (12 201ft) – 4 713m (15 463ft)
Hike slowly to Kibo Hut. Today you leave the moorland and enter the Saddle (an alpine desert) pasting giant lobelia and walk to Kibo Hut. The saddle is a flat area; however do not be tempted to increase your pace. Take it easy. If altitude has not affected you so far, this is where it will begin to kick in. Pack lunch along the way.
Overnight at Kibo Hut.
Average hiking time: 7 Hours
Day 5
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!)
Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
4 713m (15 463ft) - 5895m (19341ft)
5895m (19341ft) – 3 719m (12 201ft)
Walk-up call just after midnight to start your final ascends to the summit. You’ll follow a zigzag path with loose scree to reach Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The only thing you will notice for the next few hours is the feet of the person in front of you. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding section on the whole climb. It quickly becomes a real test of endurance. Near Gillman’s the scree comes to an end and huge boulders loom above you.
Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. Descend to Kibo with a short rest before continue to Horombo Hut.
Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Average hiking time to the summit: 8 Hours Average descending time: 4 Hours
Tel / Fax: +27 (0)12 808 3309 / 997 0208, Email:
info@exploreplus.co.za
Postal Address: Postnet Suite 274, Private Bag x4, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0102
