Overview
Why Choose the Marangu Route for Kilimanjaro Climbing?
This route is the only one that offers hut accommodations on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a popular choice among trekkers. It approaches from the southeast and allows additional days for acclimatization, ideal for those new to high-altitude trekking.
- Route: Marangu (Coca-Cola Route)
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Varied and Scenic
- Traffic: Moderate to High
- Summit Approach: Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak
- Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights Trekking
- Road
Medium
- Minimum Age
12 Years Old
Full itinerary
Day to Day Itineray
Day 1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate – Mandara Hut
After breakfast and a trek briefing, depart from Moshi and drive for about an hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Following registration, begin your hike through the lush rainforest to the Mandara Hut. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers a spectacular view of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering eucalyptus trees, vibrant birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys along the trail.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
Today, you’ll leave the forested area behind as you ascend through open moorlands. The views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are stunning. Watch for unique flora like giant lobelias and groundsels as you make your way to the Horombo encampment. At this altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of thinner air, so listen to your body.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The trail today brings you across the “saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, with vegetation giving way to an otherworldly moonscape. This is the last water point, so make sure to fill up. After dinner, get some rest in preparation for the challenging summit climb starting later tonight.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut
Starting in the early hours (midnight to 2 a.m.), begin your ascent to the summit over steep scree and snow toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. A final push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take in the breathtaking views and capture photos to remember this life-changing experience. After celebrating, descend back to Kibo for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit), descending to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi ascent, 15km/9mi descent
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic at the summit, descending to Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
After breakfast, begin your descent through the heathland and back into the rainforest. Stop briefly at Mandara Hut before continuing to Marangu Gate. Here, receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew. A vehicle will take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
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Includes
- Accommodation and Transfers: Hotel Accommodation (2 Nights), Airport Transfer, Mountain Transfers
- Climbing Essentials: Sleeping Bag, Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Guides and Staff: Professional and Experienced Mountain Guide, Salaries for Guides, Porters, and Cook
- Meals and Water: All Meals While on the Mountain, Clean Drinking Water
- Fees and Certificates: Conservation Fees, Rescue Fees, VAT (18%), Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Excludes
- Tanzania Visa Requirements
- International and Domestic Flights
- Personal Gear and Expenses: Personal Trekking Equipment (available for rent), Tips and Gratuities, Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages)
- Other Costs: Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary, Liquors and Beverages