The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It remains highly popular, primarily because it is the only route on the mountain offering hut accommodations for trekkers.
MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 8.3KM /5MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Mandara Huts - Accomodation
MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 12.5KM/7.8MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Horombo Huts - Accomodation
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS
Mount Kilimanjaro - You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
Horombo Huts - Accomodation
HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10.5KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m
After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 6.25KM /3.9 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM-9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation journey: 4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft. Altitude gained: 1181m. Descent to 3721m/12,208ft. Altitude lost: 2174m.
The dawn heralds the toughest stretch, starting between midnight and 2 a.m. As we ascend in switchbacks, battling cold and fatigue, the allure of triumph keeps us going. The trek to Gillman’s Point offers a breathtaking sunrise, with the summit, Uhuru Peak, just an hour away, likely through snow.
At the peak, celebrate your monumental achievement before descending steeply to Mweka Camp via Barafu, where gaiters and trekking poles are advised. Rest well; your journey’s climax is here. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Horombo Huts - Accomodation
HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- All Park fees
- Airport transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
