Overviews

Summary

Marangu route nicknamed “Coca cola route” is the oldest route and only one that offers hut accommodation

Overview

Route Description

The Marangu route is the most popular and oldest routes and the only one that offers hut accommodation. Known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, as it once sold the drink along the way, it’s considered the easiest route by most trekkers but still offers it’s challenges with a steep incline and ascent to the summit, and is the only route that does not allow for the rule; *‘hike high, sleep low’. 

Due to it’s popularity it is often crowded, making the route well-trodden and muddy. It has the least varierty if scenery as you ascend and descend along the same paths. We do not recommend a 5 day trek for this route as it will greatly reduce your chances of a successful summit; it is advised to spend at least 6 or 7 days allowing for an acclimatization day at Horombo hut, 3,720m above sea level.

Overview

Marangu route nicknamed “Coca cola route” is the oldest route and only one that offers hut accommodation

Route Description

The Marangu route is the most popular and oldest routes and the only one that offers hut accommodation. Known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, as it once sold the drink along the way, it’s considered the easiest route by most trekkers but still offers it’s challenges with a steep incline and ascent to the summit, and is the only route that does not allow for the rule; *‘hike high, sleep low’. 

Due to it’s popularity it is often crowded, making the route well-trodden and muddy. It has the least varierty if scenery as you ascend and descend along the same paths. We do not recommend a 5 day trek for this route as it will greatly reduce your chances of a successful summit; it is advised to spend at least 6 or 7 days allowing for an acclimatization day at Horombo hut, 3,720m above sea level.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,843m) to Mandara Hut(2,700m)

Time: 4-5hrs / Distance: 8km / Altitude Gain: 857m

You will start the trek through dense, mist covered forest area where the blue monkey, black and white colobus and bushbaby can be spotted. We will stop at Kisambioni for a picnic lunch before reaching Mandara Hut (2,700m), comprising of a complex of wooden ‘A’ shaped huts containing two rooms with four bunk beds each. 

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Time: 6-8hrs / Distance: 12km / Altitude Gain: 1020m

The trek starts around the base of Maundi Crater; a beautiful spot, the remnant of a volcanic vent, where lush grasses, known as Tussock can be seen along with glorious views. We will stay overnight at Horombo Hut (3720m), based in a rocky valley which on a clear day can have views of Moshi below you and where the end of your long day will be rewarded with what is usually described as a ‘magnificent sunset’.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720) to Mawenzi Hut (4,538m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Overall Time: 3-5hrs / Distance: 10km / Altitude Gain: 818m, Altitude Loss: 818m

Today is used as an acclimatization day to help you maximize your chances of reaching the summit. You will be able to enjoy the surrounding environment at Horombo and have a variety of guided short hikes to choose from. Zebra Rock (4,000m) is just a couple of hours walk or, a popular choice, the Mawenzi Peak, the eastern summit of the mountain takes four to five hours there and back and will greatly assist in acclimatizing to the altitude gain you will have the next day.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)

Time: 6-8hrs / Distance: 10km / Altitude Gain: 983m

The route becomes gradually steeper and rockier as we leave Horombo Hut. Stunning views of the upper reaches of Kilimanjaro can be seen before you arrive at Kibo Hut (4703m) where you will have a hot meal in the afternoon, a relaxing evening and an early bedtime so you are well rested to start hiking at midnight for your final ascent to the summit.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

Time: 6-8hrs (to summit), 4-5hrs (to Horombo) / Distance: 6km (to summit), 16km (to Horombo) / Altitude Gain: 1,192m, Altitude Loss: 2,175m

Setting off at midnight for the summit, this is the longest and most demanding day of the entire trek. A short rocky path requiring some scrambling leads to Gillmans Point situated on the crater rim, 5,685m. Once you reach Gillmans Point it is just another two hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Once there all your hard work will feel more than worth it as you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over ice fields and the Mawenzi peaks. 

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720) to Marangu Gate (1,843m)

Time: 5-7hrs / Distance: 20km / Altitude Loss: 1,877m

After breakfast we will descend to Marangu gate retracing our steps past Mandara Hut, back through the magnificent rainforest and finally reaching Marangu gate. Once at the gate you will receive your summit certificates, short celebrations with your porters and be driven back to your hotel where you can have a hot shower and well deserved rest!

TERMS

Important Note:

*This route can also be done over a 7 day period. We will always endeavour to get you to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, however the longer the climb the more chances you have of a successful summit. Just let us know what your preference is and we’ll be happy to provide you with a specified itinerary.