5 days Marangu route

Marangu – or “Coca-Cola” – route is rightfully popular amongst Kilimanjaro climbers. It is unique in that it provides extra comfort with its permanent huts. Fabulous vistas of Kilimanjaro’s Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are an added advantage of Coca-Cola Route! Marangu Route offers 6 and 5-day itineraries, the latter being the way to go for experienced trekkers. The 6 days Marangu Route itinerary with its longer acclimatization is preferable if this is to be your first climb. Those who climb Kilimanjaro on Marangu can look forward to a trek that covers the distance of 64 km (40 miles) with comfortable conditions resulting in a 92% success rate for the longer programme.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world: 5,895 metres above sea level and about 4,900 metres above its plateau base.

• Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

  Moshi

  After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

  Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
  Approx. time taken: 5 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
• Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

  Mandara Hut

  The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

  Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
  Approx. time taken: 9 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
• Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

  Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

  Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
  Approx. time taken: 7 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
• Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

  Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

  Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
  Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hrs
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

  Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

  Horombo Huts

  The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro..

  Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
  Approx. time taken: 8 hours
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

• Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO);
• Transfer to a hotel in Arusha and back to the airport;
• Accommodation before and after safari (double rooms, breakfast included);
• New SUV (2015-2017) Land Cruiser 4×4 with pop-up roof;
• Experienced English-speaking safari guide;
• 24/7 phone support;
• All park fees;
• All accommodation under your program;
• Three meals per day on safari;
• Bottled water and soft drinks throughout the tour;
• Thermos with hot tea/coffee;
• Medical kit;
• Binocular (1 per SUV);
• Wet wipes.

• Air tickets;
• Visa fee;
• Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
• Insurance;
• Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).