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The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Included and Excluded

  • Oxygen Cylinder
  • Medically qualified guides
  • Twice a day medical health check up, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
  • 2 nights hotel in Moshi (before & after climb) BREAKFAST
  • Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
  • Pick up and drop off to the Airport
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees
  • 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
  • 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
  • Mess tent, tables, chairs, sleeping pad 2.5 inches thick and trekking poles.
  • All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
  • As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
  • Hot water for washing up daily.
  • Airfares and taxes
  • Tip to your guides, porters and cook. The recommended for this is $ 20 head guide per day, $ 15 per
  • assistant guide per day, $ 15 per cook per day & $ 10 per porter per day. This can be split between each
  • Client in the climb.
  • Lunch, dinner and drinks at hotel
  • Health requirements (Yellow Fever - compulsory depending on how you travel to Tanzania, Meningitis
  • & Hepatitis A optional but recommended)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Laundry (available at the hotel)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Optional travel insurance
  • Personal hiking/trekking gear Some gears available for rent
  • Snacks and personal medicine

Itinerary

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 9 km/5 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 19 km Hiking Time: 7-9 hours Habitat: Arctic Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 21 km/12 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We offer trekking tours on Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, and Mount Meru, as well as safaris in several iconic Tanzanian national parks, including: Serengeti National Park (known for its incredible wildlife and the Great Migration) Ngorongoro Crater (home to one of the richest concentrations of wildlife on Earth) Tarangire National Park (famous for its large elephant herds) Lake Manyara National Park (known for its tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife) Ruinsori and Gombe Stream for trekking and chimpanzee safaris.

We offer several trekking routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, including: Marangu Route (the “Coca-Cola” route, the most popular for beginners) Machame Route (also known as the "Whiskey" route, for those looking for a more challenging trek) Lemosho Route (offers a quieter experience with beautiful scenery) Rongai Route (the only route that approaches from the north) Shira Route (a less-crowded, scenic route) Umbwe Route (the most challenging and direct route)

The best times to trek Mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, which are typically from: June to October (the long dry season) January to March (the short dry season) These periods offer the best weather conditions for climbing. However, trekking is possible year-round, though it can be more challenging during the rainy season (March to May).

The duration of the trek depends on the route you choose. Typically, climbing Kilimanjaro takes: 5-7 days for most routes (such as Machame or Marangu) 8-9 days for longer, more scenic routes like Lemosho, which increases your chances of summit success.

The success rate for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro can vary depending on the route, duration of the trek, and your physical fitness. On average, climbers who follow longer routes with proper acclimatization (7+ days) have a higher success rate—usually around 60-70%.

You should bring: Clothing: Layered clothing (base layer, mid-layer, waterproof jacket, and warm gear) Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots, comfortable socks Other essentials: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle or hydration system, camera Personal items: Passport, visa (if required), and other personal items for the trek

Our safari packages typically include: Transport: Safari vehicle with an experienced driver-guide Accommodation: Depending on the package, stays in luxury lodges, tented camps, or budget accommodations Park fees: Entrance fees to national parks and reserves Meals: Full board during safari days (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Guides: Expert driver-guide with knowledge of the wildlife and the area

Our safaris can range from 2-day to 10-day packages, depending on your preferences and the number of parks you wish to visit. The most common safaris last around 5-7 days, allowing you to explore multiple parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

We use specially equipped 4x4 safari vehicles, designed for comfort and optimal wildlife viewing. These vehicles are roof-top pop-up vehicles, allowing you to stand up and get a better view of the wildlife. All vehicles are well-maintained to handle off-road conditions in national parks.

You can book your trip through our website by filling out the booking form or contacting us directly via email or phone. We’ll discuss your preferences, provide detailed itineraries, and assist with any travel planning needs.

Both options are available. We offer private tours for those who prefer a more personalized experience, as well as group tours for those looking to join others and share the experience.

Tanzania is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any destination, it’s important to follow basic safety precautions. We recommend working with a reputable tour operator, staying in secure accommodations, and taking proper health precautions (e.g., vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis). Shayo Trekking and Safaris ensures all safety standards are met for your peace of mind.

Yes! In addition to trekking and safaris, we also offer: Cultural tours to visit Maasai villages or experience local traditions Day trips to various parks or Zanzibar Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe or Mahale Mountains Beach holidays on the shores of Zanzibar or Pemba Island

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