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 (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
- Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
- Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
- Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
- Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
- Day 7: Depart Tanzania
FULL TOUR ITINERARY
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
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi 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.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2km
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- 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
- Approx. time taken: 9 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
- Approx. time taken: 7 hours
- 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
- 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 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.
The 5-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
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
