Overview
Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular of the available Kilimanjaro routes today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.
The Kilimanjaro "Coca-Cola" route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice and will also treat you to scenic African landscapes.
Being the most popular and the least expensive, the route may be crowded in July-September and December-March.
A 6-day option is strongly recommended over the 5-day one for better acclimatization.
Arrive in Tanzania
Pickup at Kilimanjaro international airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town, thereafter our experienced guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Then you will spend overnight in your hotel.
Day 1 - Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am then drive to Marangu Gate. After registration formalities this is the point for your 5-hour hike to Mandara Hut in which you cover 9 km. In the dense rainforest you will have the chance to see some primates such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys as you head to the Mandara Hut.
Day 2 - Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Distance covered: 12 km
Approximate time taken: 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After breakfast, we will start our trek that will take us to Horombo Hut. Approximately 4-6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700 m. From the Hut you will have fantastic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 3 - Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Distance covered: 9 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
As usual after breakfast we will start another beautiful day. The first part of the day hike through the dwindling health land that behind into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. After lunch and crossing this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will start in just a few hours. Therefore, you will have an early dinner then a long rest before the summit.
Day 4 - Kibo hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) and down to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Habitat: Glacier/Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
This is the day you have been waiting for, you are nervous but excited. Wake up at 1:00 am to start the summit. It will take you about 4-5 hours to reach Gilmans Point at 5681 m above sea level the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. Then after a further hike of 1 hour and 30 minutes you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, spend some time taking photos and watching the African sunrises form the horizon afterwards decent to Kibo Hut having a warm lunch and short rest for 1-2 hour. Then go back to Horombo Hut to spend your last overnight on Kilimanjaro.
Day 5 - Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Habitat:Moorland/Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Wake up as usual, descent through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. You will have a hot lunch there and you will continue going down through the tropical rainforest to the park gate. A vehicle will take you to the hotel in Moshi where it’s definitely time to celebrate.
Then - Depart Tanzania/ other destination in Tanzania.
Later in the evening or the next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home bound flight. Also, Habari Adventure can organize an affordable cultural tour or safaris trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti National Park.