The Marangu route, also known as the Coca-Cola route, is the cheapest way to the summit. This is the only route where every campsite has the comfort of huts with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are shared, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and a pillow.
Both Mandara and Kibo huts have 60 beds, and Horombo hut has 120 beds. Bathrooms and running water are available in the two lower huts. Male and female lavatories are available in the last camp, but they are very basic.
Each climbing group, often from several countries around the world, eats in dining huts that provide a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.
This route can usually be done in 5 day (the shortest way to the summit), but for better acclimatization, it can also be done in 6 day. You can spend the extra day relaxing in Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest 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 rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860 m/6100 ft to 2700 m/8875 ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the clearings of the rain-forest and follow an uphill path across the open moorland to Horombo Camp. There are amazing views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peak. Look for giant lobelias and brambles. You may start to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft-3700m/12200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike to Mawenzi Peak
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 0km/0mi
- Hiking Time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Going up, we pass the last watering point, walking up to the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation begins with the upper layer but then disappears in the “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and preparation for the summit
- Elevation Gain: 3,700 m/12,200 ft to 4,700 m/15,500 ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: alpine desert
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), start climbing to the summit on steep and strong rock or snow to Gilman Point, which is located on the crater rim. Moving on, we now go up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. An incredible sight unfolds before us at every step. Take a picture at the top to show your friends and family. From here, we descend, stop for lunch, and rest in Kibo before continuing to the Horombó camp.
- Elevation: 4700m/15500ft-5895m/19340ft
Up to 3,700 m/12,200 ft - Distance: 6 km/4 mi up, 15 km/9 mi down
- Hiking time: 6–8 hours up, 15 km, or 9 miles down
- Habitat: alpine desert
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down the moorland to the Mandara hut. Continue through the lush forest path to the Marangu Gate of the National Park. At lower altitudes, it can be wet and muddy. Leg protectors and trekking poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt will probably be plenty (keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at the Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approx. 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12200ft-1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: forest
- Meals: Breakfast
TRIP INCLUDES
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Pick up at Kilimanjaro International Airport
All accommodation before and after safari (Bed & Breakfast)
TRIP INCLUDES
International flights (from/to home)
Tips
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review