TOUR OVERVIEW
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 5 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.
Elevation:
- Start: Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
Key Features:
- Known as “The Coca-Cola Route.”
- Gradual ascent through lush rainforests.
- Iconic huts for accommodation, providing added comfort.
- Beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,980m / 6,496 feet) to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 feet)
- Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 feet) to Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet)
- Day 4: Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet)
- Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet) to Kibo Hut (4,703m / 15,430 feet)
- Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,703m / 15,430 feet) to UHURU PEAK (5,895m / 19,341 feet) to Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet)
- Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet) to Marangu Gate (1,980m / 6,496 feet)
- Day 8: Depart Tanzania
GALLERY
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2km
- Drive to Marangu Gate (1,980m / 6,496 feet)
- Trek to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 feet)
- Approx. 4-5 hours trekking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
- Trek to Horombo Hut (3,720m / 12,205 feet)
- Pass through forest and heather zones
- Approx. 5-7 hours trekking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
- Approx. time taken: 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
- Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
- Trek to Kibo Hut (4,703m / 15,430 feet)
- Pass through alpine desert
- Approx. 6-8 hours trekking
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Early morning start for summit attempt
- Reach Gilman's Point (5,681m / 18,638 feet) or Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 feet)
- Descend to Horombo Hut or lower for overnight stay
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
INCLUDES / EXCLUDES
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what’s included and what’s not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
- Clean purified drinking water
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- All meals while on the mountain
- Sleeping Mattress
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
The 6-day Marangu Route provides a less challenging climb with a gradual ascent through lush rainforests and iconic huts for accommodation. Kiliblue Expeditions ensures a safe and enjoyable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
