The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most well-established trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It continues to be highly popular, primarily because it is the only route on the mountain offering hut accommodations for trekkers.
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most well-established trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It continues to be 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
Starting from Moshi, a 45-minute drive leads through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits are issued amidst the lively preparations of various crews. Enjoy the…
MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 8.3KM /5MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Starting from Moshi, a 45-minute drive leads through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits are issued amidst the lively preparations of various crews. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as the guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
Mandara Huts - Accommodation
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 restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues from the rainforest along an ascending path through heathland, where giant lobelias and groundsels can be spotted. The path leads into open moorlands with small shrubs as the main vegetation. A lunch break offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, beneath the stunning Kibo Summit viewpoint, as temperatures begin to drop.
Horombo Huts - Accommodation
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS
Mount Kilimanjaro - Spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. This day can be used to rest at the huts or take a walk to the Mawenzi base camp before returning to Horombo Huts. This extra day aids acclimatization and enhances understanding of the mountain’s weather and altitude. After this pause, the journey continues to Kibo Huts on the fourth day for a midnight summit start.
Horombo Huts - Accommodation
HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10.5KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m
Following breakfast, the trek continues through diminishing heathland that transitions into a moonscape as the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo is entered. A lunch stop and the crossing of this surprisingly large saddle provide an opportunity to examine the upcoming summit climb up Kibo, which will commence 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 marks the most challenging stretch, beginning between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascending in switchbacks, overcoming cold and fatigue, the promise of success motivates the climb. The trek to Gillman’s Point offers a stunning sunrise, with the summit, Uhuru Peak, just an hour away, likely through snow.
At the peak, celebrate the monumental achievement before descending steeply to Mweka Camp via Barafu, where gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Rest well; the journey’s climax is here. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Horombo Huts - Accommodation
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 the crew, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip the guides, cooks, and porters, as they will be left here. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive summit certificates. With the weather significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes). Enjoy a well-deserved 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
- 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.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
