TREK OVERVIEW
The Marangu “Coca Cola" Route
This route is also known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, and it is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, but also the oldest and best-established route. Many people prefer to use Marangu, since it is considered the easiest route up the mountain due to its gradual slope. It is also the only route that has dormitory-style sleeping huts. The minimum number of days required for this route is five, but successfully reaching the top within this time is rather difficult. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is essential to improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
TREK HIGHLIGHTS
Trek Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Traffic
High
Difficulty
Medium
Scenery
Good
Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut
Morning drive from your hotel in Moshi takes us through Marangu village, which is one hour away. After signing in at the Marangu gate, you will be provided with packed lunch boxes and water, after which we’ll begin the 4 – 5 hour walk to Mandara Hut. The walk will be slow, and it’ll take you through a dense and humid forest, and you will have lunch along the way. Dinner will be served at Mandara Hut, and you’ll spend the night here as well.
- Elevation 1800meters to 2720meters
- Distance: 7km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
Lunch boxes and water will be provided after breakfast, before you begin your trek to Horombo Hut. After about 45 minutes in the forest, we’ll arrive at the area of long grass and a stunning view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As our trek continues, the terrain will transform into moorland. The lunch break will be at the picnic site, and our trail ends at Horombo hut, where dinner will be served before you turn in for the night.
- Elevation 2720 meters to 3720 meters
- Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Heather and Moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut - Mawenzi Tarn Hut - Horombo Hut
This day is reserved for your acclimatization. Ya ou will go for a walk. After breakfast, you will hike up to the base of Mwenzi Peak at 4330m, and along the way, you will pass the unique Zebra Rock. On the return to Horombo Hut, you will have a hot lunch. Dinner will also be served at Horombo, where you will spend the night.
- Elevation 3720meters to 4330meters to 3720meters
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
Day 4: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
The hike to Kibo Hut follows after breakfast, and you will be supplied with lunch boxes and water before we leave. Our hike continues across the desolate alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ that divides Kibo and Mawenzi. This is where we’ll pass the last water point, and the porter will carry a supply of water required for food, hot drinks, and drinking. Dinner will be served at Kibo Hut, where you will spend the night.
- Elevation 3720 meters to 4700 meters
- Distance: 11.5km
- Hiking Time:6 to 7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
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Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
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Down to 3700m/12,200ft
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Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate
After breakfast and the last celebration with the porters, you will trek down to Marangu gate. Once here, you will have a hot lunch. The vehicle will meet you at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi, where you can shower and rest.
- Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time:6-7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
Enquiry and Cost Coverage
Total Cost Covers;
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Total Cost does not Cover;
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Tips for the support team
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.