This Marangu Route 6-day climb known as the “Coca-Cola” route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory-style accommodation.
Life on Safari
After breakfast and briefing, you will drive from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the trek. You’ll walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, you will look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft.
Distance: 8km/5 mi.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Meals: FB.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Mandara Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
You will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft.
Distance: 12km/7.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Heathland.
Meals: FB.
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
This is a testing day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization with optional hiking to nearby Mawenzi Peak. You will spend a full day at Horombo. If you do not need to trek out of the huts, this will allow you a good time to prepare for tomorrow.
Meals: FB.
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Ascending, you will now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. You’ll have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft.
Distance: 9km/5.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: FB.
Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Kibo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), you’ll commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. Continuing, you’ll now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. You’ll have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. You’ll descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo Huts.
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” will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft.
Down to 3700m/12,200ft.
Distance: 6km/4 mi up / 15km/9 mi down.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15 km/9 mi down.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: FB.
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- Horombo Hut
- Meals & Drinks:
After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. You’ll continue descending through a 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).
Kilimanjaro On Foot vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 3 hours).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft.
Distance: 20km/12.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Forest.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
