Kilimanjaro Hiking

6 days—Marangu Cocacola Route

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$1870 USD

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Safari summary

This is route is for ascending and descending with the provision of huts along the trail. It has three stations namely Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo. 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. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking at altitude experience under their belt. The trail goes through lush rainforest and moorland.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate To Mandara Hut

Take a short drive from Moshi town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,879 m.), which lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through an attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,720 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut].

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

We leave Mandara Hut for Horombo Hut. The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.), and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. (4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut).

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

This magnificent day is precisely meant for acclimatization and can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area, you will head back to Horombo Hut for an overnight and dinner. Elevation is 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft. Distance: 5 km hiking Time: 2-3 hours Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation is 14,400 ft to 12,205 Distance is 5 km hiking Time is 1-2 hours.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

We leave Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut through Desert Saddle we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed, and there is a palpable sense of high-altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,720 m) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday, The rest of the day is spent cooling off and adapting to the weather in preparation for the final climb before a very early night. [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut].

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

We leave Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut, we will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over the loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We'll rest, The descent is surprisingly fast, and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point]

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut To Gate

Trekk to Kilimanjaro Retrace through Forest We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk past Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi city. The greenness and lushness of the forest are quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. The next day, you will be transferred to the Airport.

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