9 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb & Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Safari with Stacey Tours
Welcome to a journey of a lifetime, where the towering heights of Mount Kilimanjaro meet the boundless beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife-rich landscapes. With Stacey Tours as your trusted guide, get ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak and explore the wonders of its national parks in an exhilarating nine-day adventure.
Conquering Kilimanjaro: As you stand at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, the iconic symbol of Africa’s natural majesty, you’re about to embark on a challenge that will test your strength, determination, and spirit of adventure. The Marangu Route, often dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route” for its popularity, offers a scenic and relatively gentle ascent to the summit, making it perfect for adventurers of all levels. Over the course of five days, you’ll trek through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests teeming with life to alpine deserts where the air thins and the views stretch to the horizon. Your goal? Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent, where you’ll witness a sunrise like no other and bask in the glory of your achievement.
Wildlife Safari: But the adventure doesn’t end there. After conquering Kilimanjaro, it’s time to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s rich wildlife heritage. From the sprawling plains of the Serengeti to the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, you’ll have the opportunity to witness Africa’s “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos – in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced safari experts, you’ll embark on thrilling game drives through the heart of these iconic landscapes, where every turn of the road brings a new encounter with Africa’s most iconic species. Whether you’re capturing the grace of a giraffe silhouetted against the sunset or marveling at the majesty of a pride of lions on the prowl, each moment promises to be a wildlife spectacle you’ll never forget.
Cultural Immersion: But beyond the breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife, Tanzania’s cultural tapestry adds depth and richness to your journey. From meeting local guides and porters who share their stories of life on the mountain to visiting Maasai villages and learning about traditional customs and rituals, you’ll have the chance to connect with the people who call this land home. Taste the flavors of Tanzania with delicious meals prepared using fresh local ingredients, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Swahili culture as you dance to the beat of traditional drumming under the starlit African sky.
Join Us: So, are you ready to embark on this epic adventure with Stacey Tours? Lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the thrill of summiting Kilimanjaro and the wonder of Tanzania’s wildlife up close. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences awaiting you at every turn, this is a journey you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let’s make memories together – join us on the 9-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb & Wildlife Safari and discover the magic of Tanzania like never before.
Details
Known as the "Coca-Cola" or "tourist" route, the Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 bunk beds, each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men's and ladies' latrines are available. You will trek 6 full days on this route. The Marangu route can be completed in 6 or 5 days; however, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut.
Climb Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro international airport
Soon after clearing all the immigration procedures, the drive be ready for the transfer to the hotel/lodge in Arusha City for check inn.
Early in the morning, we drive for about 3 hours to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (1,840 m). While our guide is busy with the registration forms, we can watch our mountain team/crew prepare for the ascent and pack their bags. As soon as the registration is done and the team is prepared, our Kilimanjaro adventure through the dense rainforest begins. We may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys foraging in the lush vegetation. After about 4 hours of an easy hike through the magnificent rainforest, we reach the beautifully situated Mandara Hut. After a well-deserved break, our guide takes us to the Maundi crater, where we can enjoy a magnificent view of the Kenyan interior. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut
Habitat: Montane Forest
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Approx. trekking time: 4-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after leaving the Mandara Hut, we reach the tree line where the vegetation turns into heather bushes. We hike through a beautiful moor landscape through the hills with special flora until after about 6 hours the Horombo Hut comes into view at an altitude of about 3,700 m. From the huts, we have a fantastic view of the Mawenzi, the second-highest peak in the Kilimanjaro massif, of the Kibo peak, and the wide plains below us. Kilimanjaro consists of three extinct conical volcanoes, Kibo (5,895 m), Mawenzi (5,148 m), and Shira (3,962 m). Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut
Habitat: Moorland
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Approx. trekking time: 6-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today’s stage is long and demanding, although there are no steep climbs. You will clearly feel the height and thus the thinning air. We will have the Mawenzi and Kibo summits in view almost the whole long way. This almost vegetation-free plateau connects the summit of the Kibo with the Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut and should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. After an invigorating lunch, we can relax a little, have dinner around 5:00 p.m. and go to sleep around 7:00 p.m. The ascent to the summit starts at midnight, so it is important that we recover well beforehand. Because the ascent to the summit is a little longer from this route, it is very important that we eat and drink enough and recharge our batteries for the long day on the summit. Remember to have at least 3 liters of warm drinking water prepared by the crew. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut
Habitat: Low Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone.
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Approx. trekking time: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s stage is long and demanding, although there are no steep climbs. You will clearly feel the height and thus the thinning air. We will have the Mawenzi and Kibo summits in view almost the whole long way. This almost vegetation-free plateau connects the summit of the Kibo with the Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut and should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. After an invigorating lunch, we can relax a little, have dinner around 5:00 p.m. and go to sleep around 7:00 p.m. The ascent to the summit starts at midnight, so it is important that we recover well beforehand. Because the ascent to the summit is a little longer from this route, it is very important that we eat and drink enough and recharge our batteries for the long day on the summit. Remember to have at least 3 liters of warm drinking water prepared by the crew. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut Habitat: Low Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone.
Today is the “big day” of the summit stage. After a hot tea and light breakfast, we start at midnight when the lava ash is still frozen and easy to walk. We start the ascent to the summit, with our headlamp. At sunrise, we reach Gilman’s Point (5715 m) on the crater rim. You have to expect strong winds on the ascent. After about an hour we reach Stella Point (5756 m). Another 1 to 2 hours ascent along the crater ridge leads us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here we see Kilimanjaro in all its glory and enjoy the 360 ° view over the landscape at sunrise. We are now on the “roof of Africa”. At lunchtime, we arrive at the Kibo-Hut. After a warm meal and a break of about 1 hour, we make our way back to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m). Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut
Habitat: Arctic
Distance: 16 km/9 miles
Approx. trekking time: 9– 11 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The last stage leads through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where our last lunch awaits us on the mountain. Day six from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate is nearly 20km but usually only takes 7 hours to complete.
At Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak (depending on how far you managed to get). Tips are recommended and highly appreciated at the end of your trip. Dinner and overnight at Ilboru Safari or similar
Habitat: Forest
Distance: 10 km/ 7 miles
Approx. trekking time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, early in the morning, our driver-guide will drive you from Arusha to Serengeti National Park. Set out for the endless open plains and stunning skies of the Serengeti. A good-looking three-hour drive, evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Seronera Campsite. Dinner and overnight at the Thorn Tree Tented Camp/ Kati kati Tented Camp in the Serengeti or similar
Serengeti to Ngorongoro, after a morning game drive and an early lunch, proceed to Ngorongoro, our well professional and experienced driver will dri ve you all through Serengeti way to Ngorongoro crater explain en-route wildlife and natural beauty of Tanzania. We will spend the night on the crater rim, dinner and overnight will be at Ngorongoro Simba Campsite. Dinner and overnight at the Ang’ata Tented camp or similar
Early breakfast, proceed directly to the Crater floor for a day crater tour with picnic lunches. Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, is a breathtaking natural wonder. Once a massive volcano, its caldera now shelters a diverse ecosystem, teeming with wildlife. The crater's floor hosts an extraordinary concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, and flamingos, making it a unique and captivating destination for safari enthusiasts. Later proceed back to Arusha City. Soon after check out process, transfer from the hotel/lodge to Kilimanjaro international Airport, arrive at the airport at the time as indicated on the fight tickets.
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