Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.
The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Kilemakyaro Mountain Lodge. The ride there takes about 1 hour.
This route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice, and will also treat you to scenic African landscapes.
Being the most popular and the least expensive, the route may be crowded in July-September and December – March. A 6-day option is strongly recommended over the 5-day one for better acclimatization.
Our experience with hundreds of clients has shown that this 6 day itinerary offers
the highest chance of reaching the summit successfully while ensuring a safe descent.
After having your breakfast we will drive from your hotel to National Park gate for the necessary formalities at the gate. We start the climbs through fascinating tropical rain forest; we reach the first hut at Mandara for dinner and overnight. An alternative is to simply rest and relax the beautiful forest around the camp.
Today the first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into moorland and, in clear weather, there are great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
We arrive at Horombo Hut mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp.
Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut.
Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.
Today we have another acclimatisation day and trek very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spend some time for lunch. Before we go back to Horombo Hut and follow the mountaineer old rule: go high – sleep low.
Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut.
Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.
Today is another acclimatisation day. we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spent some time before we go back to Horombo hut for overnight. We follow the old rule for high altitude climbers.. walk high – sleep low.
Today we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hut.
There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
This is a very long day and a big challenge. Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kibo Hut is amazingly fast, and we stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut.
Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu National Park gate; successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel for a well deserved celebration meal.
