Itinerary
Overview
Easiest Path to Africa's Summit
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular and easiest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts, providing trekkers with more comfort than camping, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a less physically demanding experience. The well-trodden path takes you through lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and up to the iconic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu Route can be completed in 5 days, but an additional day for acclimatization is recommended to increase the chances of successfully reaching the summit. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice trekker, this route combines comfort with the thrill of standing atop Africa’s highest point.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trek?
- Most Comfortable Kilimanjaro Route: Enjoy the unique experience of staying in mountain huts along the way, with solar power and bunk beds.
- Scenic Hikes: Trek through vibrant rainforests and across high-altitude desert landscapes.
- Quicker Summit Time: The shortest and easiest trek to Uhuru Peak, perfect for those with limited time.
- Unique Cultural Experience: Share meals and stories with climbers from around the world in communal dining huts.
- Incredible Sunrise Views: Reach the summit at dawn to witness breathtaking panoramic views across Tanzania and Kenya.
- Summit Success: Good acclimatization opportunities with an optional extra day at Horombo Hut.
- Hiking & Trekking: Daily guided hikes through diverse ecosystems of Kilimanjaro
- Wildlife Viewing: Possibility to encounter animals in the montane forests
- Photography: Stunning photo opportunities of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, volcanic formations, and diverse landscapes
- Summit Attempt: Overnight ascent to the Uhuru Peak for a breathtaking sunrise
- Cultural Experience: Interact with local guides and porters, learn about Tanzanian culture and nature
Itinerary
Day to day
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Relax and prepare for the adventure, with a briefing from your mountain guide in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts
After breakfast, drive from Arusha or Moshi to the Marangu Gate for registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. By mid-afternoon, you'll reach Mandara Huts, where you can take a short detour to Maundi Crater for panoramic views.
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
Trek through the rainforest into the heathland zone, where the landscape opens up to reveal breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak. The day ends at Horombo Huts, where trekkers can rest and acclimatize.
Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
After breakfast, head toward Kibo Huts, crossing the stark alpine desert and the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms, as the elevation gain is significant today.
Day 4: Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
Begin your ascent at midnight, climbing the steep scree to reach Gilman’s Point by sunrise. From there, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Kibo Huts for a rest, followed by a hike down to Horombo Huts.
Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha
Trek down through the lush forest, stopping for lunch at Mandara Huts before continuing to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and tip your guides and porters before being transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Optional Add-On: Extend your adventure with a safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or a relaxing beach getaway to Zanzibar.
What's Included?
- 6-day Marangu Route climb
- Accommodations in mountain huts (Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut)
- All meals and drinking water (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Park Fees (implied, as it’s a standard inclusion for Kilimanjaro climbs)
- Guiding Services (implied, as guides are mentioned in the context of the climb)
- Transportation (from Moshi to Marangu Gate and back, as indicated by “Leave Moshi at 8am for Marangu Gate”)
- Hotel Stay (2 nights, as mentioned in “MARANGU CLIMB” section, including a hot shower and fresh clothes on the last day)
What's Excluded?
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Visa Fees (for entry into Tanzania, if required)
- International Flights (to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport)
- Personal Climbing Gear (hiking boots, clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Tips & Gratuities (for guides, porters, and hotel staff)
- Additional Nights (beyond the included 2 hotel nights)
- Food and Drinks in Town (except for the last day’s breakfast)
- Optional Activities or Equipment Rentals (not specified in the provided results)
Rates
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently
