Marangu Route
6 days—Marangu Route Known as the “Coca-Cola” route
$1559-1750 USD
pp
Safari summary
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required.
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | Hiking | trekking | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Park fees
What’s not included?
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
DAY 1 Marangu Gate to Mandara HuT
Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 8 km | 5 miles Habitat: Rain Forest We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
DAY 2 Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Health We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
DAY 3 – Horombo Hut to Mawenzi
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Heath Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Health This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
DAY 4 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 5 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 6 km | 4 miles Habitat: Arctic Distance: 16 km | 10 miles Habitat: Health Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise.
DAY 6 Horombo Hut to Marangu GatE
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 20 km | 12 miles Habitat: Rain Forest On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
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