5 Days Hike and 5 Days Safari Tarantula Adventure Safaris
Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
Description
The Easiest Route up Kilimanjaro
The Marangu Route (also known as the "Coca-Cola" route) is one of the most popular routes up
Kilimanjaro. Its well-developed paths and gentle ascent (with the exception of the summit day itself) make this route popular with less experienced mountain hikers. The accommodation is located in simple, but wind sheltered mountain huts.
This offers a certain advantage, since it can be quite cold in the higher altitudes on the mountain. The ascent and descent take place in the same way. We recommend the Marangu route as a 6-day tour with an additional acclimatization day at the Horombo Hut. This acclimatization day significantly increases the chance of a summit success.
Highlights:
The only route with accommodation in huts
Ascent and descent take place on the same route
Gentle ascent on well-developed path, few steeper sections
Good acclimatization possible (as 6 days tour)
Total distance about 73 km (as 6-day tour)
Daily Stages / Walking Times:
| Day | Overnight Staying in Huts | Hours | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marangu Gate (1860 m) → Mandara Hut (2700 m) | 3–4 h | 8 km |
| 2 | Mandara Hut (2700 m) → Horombo Hut (3700 m) | 5–6 h | 11 km |
| 3 | Horombo Hut (3700 m) → Kibo Hut (4700 m) | 5–6 h | 10 km |
| 4 | Kibo Hut (4700 m) → Uhuru Peak (5895 m) → Horombo Hut (3700 m) | 12–14 h | 20 km |
| 5 | Horombo Hut (3700 m) → Marangu Gate (1860 m) | 4–6 h | 19 km |
Highlights
Summit the 5,036 m Vinicunca viewpoint with a licensed mountain guide
Two acclimatisation days in the Sacred Valley before the ascent
Small groups of 12 walkers, with support horses available on the climb
Itinerary
Day 1, DAY 1: Arrival/Kilimanjaro Airport - Moshi Town
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town for Overnight at The Maridadi Hotel / Lindrin Lodge - (HB)
Day 2, DAY 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) - Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast we drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary formalities are completed, your hike through the dense rainforest can begin. Besides the impressive vegetation, you have the opportunity to observe black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and various bird species. After about 3-4 hours, you will reach the day ‘s destination - the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, you can take a short trip to Maundi crater (15 minutes away) with your guide. The great view of Kilimanjaro of north Tanzania and into Kenya is worth the extra effort in good weather. Dinner and Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Day 3, DAY 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. After a 5–6-hour hike, you will reach the Horombo Hut, which is located at 3700 meters. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Maasai steppe.
Meal Plan: Full Board. Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 4, DAY 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut, which is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night as the night will be short.
Meal Plan: Full Board.
Dinner and Overnight at Kibo Hut
Day 5, DAY 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is the great day - Summit Day! This begins at night because the lava ash is still frozen and so the ascent is easier. Your guide wakes you around 11pm, and an hour later the long and strenuous way to the summit begins. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely ascends. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You quickly forget the
coldness of the night and will reach the Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters after another 1-2 hours.
Congratulations! You ‘ve made it to the "Roof of Africa". Enjoy this moment... The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed, which allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. After a 1–2-hour rest, you will continue to Horombo Hut (3700m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, most mountain conquerors understandably retire early to bed!
Meal Plan: Full Board. Dinner and Overnight at Horombo Hut
Day 6, DAY 6: Arrival/Kilimanjaro Airport - Moshi Town
Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m) – Moshi / Arusha Town
Day 6 - The final stage leads through heath and moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch will be waiting for you. Then you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After leaving your mountain team, you will be transferred to Arusha Town. Here you can finally enjoy a hot and relaxing shower and celebrate your summit success.
Meal Plan: Half
Board
Dinner and Overnight at Under the Shade Safari Lodge - (HB)
Day 7, DAY 7: Arusha Town - Lake Natron
Early breakfst, drive to Lake Natron area for afternoon activities.
Dinner and Overnight at a Lodge
Day 8, DAY 8: Lake Natron – Northern Serengeti
After breakfast, morning activities in Lake Natron, afternoon proceed to drive to the Northern part Serengeti National Park, afternoon game activities in the park.
Dinner and Overnight at a Tented Camp
Day 9, DAY 9: Northern – Central Serengeti National Park
After breakfast, do a morning game drive in the North of Serengeti, afternoon drive to the Central Serengeti with game drive en-route.
Dinner and Overnight at a Tented Camp / Lodge
Day 10, DAY 10: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu Town
After breakfast, proceed to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, descend to the Crater floor for a day’s tour, late afternoon ascend and proceed to Karatu town.
Dinner and Overnight at a Lodge
Day 11, DAY 11: Karatu Town – Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha town; Lunch at a Restaurant, drop off at the Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight.
Cost for the above Itinerary:
1 Pax – Per Person in a Single Room USD 7,433
2 Pax – Per Person Sharing Basis USD 6,155
3 Pax – Per Person Sharing Basis USD 5,771
4 Pax – Per person Sharing Basis USD 5,580
5 Pax – Per person Sharing Basis USD 5,464
6 Pax – Per person Sharing Basis USD 5,387
NB: For a Group of above 7 Pax, please request for a Quote!
Includes & Excludes
Safari according to the itinerary and Accommodation Prices.
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation as specified
Drinking water during safari
Park entry fees applicable to the itinerary
Game drives according to the itinerary
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
Government taxes and applicable tourism service charges
International flights
Travel and medical insurance
Tanzania visa
Tips for guide and safari staff
Tips and personal expenses
Personal shopping and souvenirs
Laundry and Optional activities
Additional accommodation before or after the safari
Alcoholic and soft drinks other than the provided drinking water
Any service not specifically listed under “What’s Included”