Mount Kilimanjaro
5 days—Marangu Route
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$1700 USD
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Safari summary
Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.
Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, March, May, June, August, October, November, December | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
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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
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Your journey begins at Marangu Gate (1,860m) where you’ll meet your guide and register for the climb. The trail takes you through a lush rainforest filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and playful monkeys, including the striking black-and-white colobus. The air is cool and fresh, with sounds of nature all around. After about 4–5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700m). If you have energy, a short walk to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views over northern Tanzania and Kenya
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast, the hike continues through the heath and moorland zone. The dense forest gives way to open, grassy terrain dotted with giant lobelias and other unique plants. The air becomes crisper, and you’ll start to see clear views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s jagged sister peak. Today’s trek covers about 12 kilometers in 6–8 hours before reaching Horombo Hut (3,720m). Here, you’ll relax with dinner and enjoy wide, open mountain views as the sun sets behind the clouds.
Overnight:Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today you leave the grassy moorland behind, entering the alpine desert zone. The landscape becomes rocky and barren as you cross the wide, flat saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The air is thinner here, and it’s important to take it slow. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of both peaks rising dramatically above the landscape. After about 6–7 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m), your base for the final summit push.
Overnight:Kibo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
The most challenging day starts at midnight. With headlamps lighting the way, you’ll ascend steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, continue to Stella Point (5,756m), then to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit around sunrise offers breathtaking views over glaciers and distant plains. After a short celebration, descend back to Kibo Hut for a break, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night.
Overnight:Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
The final day is a long descent through the moorland and rainforest. The trail retraces your steps back to Mandara Hut, then to Marangu Gate. Along the way, you’ll pass through familiar landscapes, spotting monkeys and birds. After 5–7 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the gate, collect your climbing certificate, and celebrate your success. A transfer back to your hotel awaits, where a hot shower and well-earned rest complete the adventure.
Overnight: Salinelo Hotel
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