Compare 7 Days-Kilimanjaro-Marangu Route by Expect In Africa Safari vs Best of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with Airport Transfers by Wildreality Safari
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 7 days | 3 days |
Price From | $ 1,680 | $ 2,950 |
Price Per Day | $ 240 | $ 983 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Camping | Luxury |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinner |
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Description |
The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 6 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up Kilimanjaro where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down. |
Serengeti is well known for the Great Wildebeest Migration in the northern part toward the Mara River. It is an unforgettable adventure to have a chance see all animals migrate in a clockwise circle every year. If you also want to spot all the Big Five animals (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) all in one park, the Serengeti is the place to be. |
Day 1: Arrival Day
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation : Hotel
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Arusha, and meet company member who will brief you on your upcoming schedule for safari and trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on the trekking day.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) To Mandara Hut (2700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Mandara
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Arusha and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Horombo Hut
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Approx. time taken: 9 hours
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. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Day 4: Acclimatization Trek To Zebra Rocks (4020m) Then Back To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Horombo Hut
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Horombo Hut Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) To Kibo Hut (4700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation : Kibo Hut
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” 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 that 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.
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m) To Uhuru Peak (5895m) & Down To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 9– 10 hours
Day 7: Horombo Huts (3,690 M/12,100 Ft) To Marangu Gate To Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast and refreshing; descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 1pm or 2:30 pm. Kindly tip your guides and porters as you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to Moshi (890 m/2,920 ft) 18 km, 5-7 hours
Day 8: Depart
Depending on your flight time you will transfer to the airport
Arrival Day
Distance: 50km
Meet on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport/Arusha Airport and picked up by a Wild Reality representative and you will drive in Arusha for relaxation and an overnight stay.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Grand Melia Lodge /Four Points by Sheraton Arusha / Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Mid-range: Ilboru Safari Lodge / Arusha Planet Lodge/ Under the Shades
- Budget: Outpost Lodge / Tulia Boutique Hotel / Summit Lodge Arusha
- NB: All Accommodations in Arusha offer Bed and Breakfast only.
Day 1 – DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TOWN TO SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
Serengeti is well known for the Great Wildebeest Migration in the northern part toward the Mara River. It is an unforgettable adventure to have a chance see all animals migrate in a clockwise circle every year. If you also want to spot all the Big Five animals (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) all in one park, the Serengeti is the place to be.
Distance: 296 km
Game viewing time: 6-7 hrs
Early morning after breakfast, you will depart from your hotel/lodge in Arusha, and we will proceed to Serengeti National Park, Passing the beautiful farmland of Karatu and transiting the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. You may have a chance to stop at the Ndutu area depending on the time. You will stop for lunch on the way and then proceed to your lodge/hotel with a game drive en-route arriving in the evening.
Accommodation
- Lodge/Hotel: Katikati/ Heritage/ Kubukubu
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 2 – DRIVE FROM SERENGETI TO NGORONGORO AREA
Ngorongoro is one of the 8 Wonders of the World, the crater is an essential shelter for different wildlife. The most commonly seen are big bulls of elephants and the vulnerable species of black rhinos. In the Crater you will see large herds of wildebeest, African cape buffalos, zebras, Thomson and grant gazelles, hippopotamus, black-backed jackals, prides of lions, hyenas, serval cats, and close to 400 bird species.
After breakfast, you will take packed lunch for an early morning game drive between 08:00 – 14:30 hrs. Then, will drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while having a game drive en route to where you will have dinner and overnight.
Accommodation
- Lodge/Hotel: Lions Paw/ Serena Safari Lodge/ Angata Tented Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 3 – NGORONGORO CRATER TOUR – ARUSHA TOWN
After an early breakfast, you will drop over 600 meters into the crater for a full day game drive. You will break game drive for lunch, you will have your lunch at the base of the crater.
After the tour, you will drive back to Arusha town or Directly to the airport to catch your flight to Zanzibar or back home.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch