Roof of Africa Adventure

7 days—Experience of Majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

$1800-2100 USD

Get quote

Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

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. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt. Advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences. The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Easy activity
	Best months	June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Photography safari—with professional guide
Sightseeing | shopping | markets

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
Internal flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Visas

Itinerary

Arrive in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town. You will meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear that is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Zebra Hotel (or alternative).

Zebra Hotel

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. 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 overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Horombo Hut

Zebra Rocks to Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water Point,” which is followed by the so-called “saddle.” This nearly vegetationless plateau joins the main summit, Kibo, with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut, which is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru peak

Kilimanjaro

Today is “The Big ”Day”—the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681 m)—the crater rim of Kilimanjaro—where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night, and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Kilimanjaro

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700 m), where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest, and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi

Here are the latest 6 tours by Big Five Voyage. See all 17 tours.