The Marangu Route 6 Days Itinerary, sometimes known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is a well-traveled and historic ascent of Kilimanjaro. If you choose the Marangu route, you will be able to replicate Hans Meyer’s 1889 feat—the first successful ascent of Kilimanjaro. The trail spans the mountain’s whole climatic range, from tropical forest to alpine desert, and is located inside Kilimanjaro National Park.
Highlights
- Meet your professional guide and crew
- Acclimatization day
- Descend through rainforest
Day 01 :
Arrival & Trek to Mandara Hut
- Meeting Point & Briefing
Meet your guide and crew at the park headquarters (in Marangu village) in the morning. They’ll distribute gear, go over safety protocols, and verify permits. - Trek to Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
Begin your trek through lush rainforest. You’ll pass through bamboo thickets and enjoy birdlife before emerging near the tree line. After about 5–6 hours on the trail, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 02 :
Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
- Morning Trek
After breakfast, hike upward across heathland terrain. Keep an eye out for alpine flowers and rock hyraxes. - Arrival at Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Following roughly 6 hours of walking, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut. Settle in, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring nearby rock formations.
Day 03 :
Acclimatization Day at Horombo
- Rest & Optional Hike
Spend today resting at Horombo Hut to adjust to the altitude. If you’re feeling good, take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (about 3,950 m) or Mandara Plateau for panoramic mountain views. Return to Horombo for dinner and an early night.
Day 04 :
Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
- Trail to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
After breakfast, set off on the ridge trail leading toward Kibo Hut. The landscape shifts to alpine desert. The hike takes around 5–6 hours. - Afternoon at Kibo Hut
Arrive in the early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and have an early dinner—everything from here depends on conserving energy for summit night.
Day 05 :
Summit Bid & Descent to Horombo
- Nighttime Summit Push
Wake around midnight. Begin the final ascent via the Gilman’s Point route under headlamps. You’ll pass Gillman’s Point (5,680 m) and, if conditions allow, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise over the crater rim. - Descent to Horombo Hut
After celebrating, descend first to Kibo Hut for a short break, then continue down to Horombo Hut. Expect the full descent to take 8–10 hours before arriving back at Horombo.
Day 06 :
Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
- Final Leg & Certificate
After breakfast, hike down through heath and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate (1,860 m). This last 4–5 hour stretch is mostly downhill. At the gate you’ll receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your crew, then transfer back to your lodge or head onward with your plans.
Costs
- All transfers
- Hotel before and after the hike
- Camping equipment
- Meals on the hike
- Professional guides and porters
- Oxygen tanks
- GPS Trackers
- Medical check-ups, fully-loaded medical kits, and in-company doctor
- 24/7 Support via Satellite Phone
- Fully-loaded medical kits
- All park fees and taxes
- Dedicated support team
- Innovative and user-friendly travel planning portal
- Safe room and storage room
- Leave No Trace adventure
- Impactful change for the local communities
- International flights
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Portable toilet
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel
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