Overview
The 5-day Marangu Route popularly known as the "Coca-cola route" is the oldest, most direct, and only path on Mount kilimanjaro that provides communal A-frame dormitory huts with solar lighting and basic amenities instead of tent camping. Beginning at the marangu gate on the southeastern side, the trek transitions rapidly from lush rainforest (mandara hut) to open alpine moorland (horombo hut) and across the desolate high-altitude lunar desert saddle connecting Kibo and Mawenzi (kibo hut). Trekkers begin their midnight summit push on the fourth day to reach gilman's point and Uhuru peak (5,895 meters) before descending back to horombo hut for the night, concluding on day five with a final hike out through the forest. While its well-graded, gradual paths earn it a reputation as a physically approachable route, the condensed 5-day schedule leaves zero extra time for acclimatization,it demands solid physical fitness to handle the rapid elevation gain despite its well graded accessible terrain.
Tour Features
Hut Camping
This is a hut route
Private Tour
This safari is arranged privately for your group.
Solo Travelers
Suitable for solo travelers.
Customizable
This itinerary can be customized.
Children Policy
Minimum age accepted is 12 years and above.
Start Date
This safari can start on any day.
Highlights
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Moshi to Marangu gate (1,860 m) to Mandara hut (2,720 m)
Mandara Hut (2,720 m) to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Kibo Hut (4,720 m)
Kibo Hut (4,720 m) to Uhuru peak (5,895 m) down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Moshi
Depart Tanzania
Your Safari Map
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Safari Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your 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. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
The hotel check in start from 12:00 PM.
Accommodation
Park View Inn
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 / 5.2mi
Approx.Time taken: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Mandara Hut
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 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3,720 meters. 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
Accommodation
Horombo Hut
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 to 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
Accommodation
Kibo Hut
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 5,220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters) 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 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to kibo hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 to 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
Accommodation
Horombo Hut
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,720m) 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 (1860 m). 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
Accommodation
Park View Inn
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. Hotel check out is at 10:00 AM.
Meals: Breakfast Included
Tanzania