Experience the renowned “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route, a top choice for reaching the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Discover the artistic blend of convenience and affordability as many adventurers consider this route the easiest and most cost-effective path to Uhuru peak. Unlike other routes, the Marangu route offers exclusive on-mountain accommodation with charming A-frame huts. However, it’s vital to note that the 5-day Marangu route has a comparatively lower success rate in reaching the summit. To optimize your chances of a triumphant ascent, we strongly recommend extending your journey to 6 days. This unique route provides cozy communal sleeping huts at every overnight site, boasting amenities like solar lighting, comfortable bunk beds, and plush mattresses. Additionally, Mandara hut and Horombo hut feature refreshing cold showers and modern flushing toilets. Embrace the Marangu route, which offers a consistent path for both ascending and descending, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.
Day 1 - Kilimanjaro National Park to Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 9,000 ft / 2,700 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Heathland
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Day 3 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 15,400 ft / 4,700 m
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Day 4 - Kibo Hut to Summit Then Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 15,400 ft / 4,700 m to 19,300 ft / 5,895 m
- Elevation 19,300 ft / 5,895 m to 12,100 ft / 3,700 m
- Hiking Time: 4 km up / 14 km down 10-15 hours
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Day 5
- Elevation: 12,100 ft / 3,700 m to 5,500 ft / 1,700 m
- Distance: 18km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. It is time for celebration!
