(Pick-up from Arusha or Moshi)
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s often called the “Coca-Cola Route” due to the availability of refreshments at the huts along the way. This route offers hut accommodations, making it more comfortable than camping. Over six days, you’ll ascend through a range of diverse landscapes and attempt to reach the Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 1,843m to 2,700m
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and driven to the Marangu Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration and a quick briefing by your guide, the adventure begins with a trek through the lush Montane Forest. Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys as you ascend to Mandara Hut.
In the afternoon, you can explore the nearby Maundi Crater and enjoy stunning views of Kenya to the north. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, continue trekking through the last section of the rainforest, entering the beautiful moorland zone. You’ll witness dramatic landscapes as you climb higher, with giant lobelias and groundsels dotting the path. After a steady climb, you’ll reach Horombo Hut.
This area is known for its breathtaking views, with a stunning panorama of the summit visible on clear days.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Today is a day dedicated to acclimatization to help you adjust to the higher altitude, improving your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll have a short acclimatization hike up to Zebra Rocks at 4,000m or towards Mawenzi Hut. After your hike, return to Horombo Hut for a relaxing afternoon.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m
- Distance: 9.5 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, begin your trek towards Kibo Hut. The trail passes through the saddle—a barren, lunar-like landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. It’s a challenging hike due to the thinning air as you climb higher, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.
Arriving at Kibo Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, as the summit attempt begins after midnight.
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), descend to 3,720m
- Distance: 6 km ascent, 15 km descent
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 6-8 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic at the summit, Moorland
Around midnight, your guide will wake you for the most challenging part of the trek—summiting Kilimanjaro. The steep ascent begins on rocky switchbacks toward Gillman’s Point (5,685m), where you’ll have a short break to rest and enjoy sunrise over the plains below.
Continue along the crater rim, finally reaching the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, take photos, and soak in the views from the “Roof of Africa.”
Afterward, descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut, where you’ll have lunch and rest after a long, rewarding day.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha or Moshi
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,843m
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, continue your descent through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before meeting your driver for the journey back to Arusha or Moshi. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or directly at Kilimanjaro International Airport for those with evening flights.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions:
- Park fees and hut accommodation fees
- Professional English-speaking guide and porters
- All meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Drinking water throughout the trek
- Transfers to/from the trailhead
- Summit certificate
Exclusions:
- Flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Items of a personal nature
- Accommodation before and after the trek (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Airport transfers (available at extra cost)
