Trek Overview
This route is also known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, and it is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, but also the oldest and best-established route. Many people prefer to use Marangu, since it is considered to be the easiest route up the mountain, because of its gradual slope. It is also the only route that has dormitory style sleeping huts. The minimum number of days required for this route is five, but successfully reaching the top within this time is rather difficult. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is essential to enhance your chances for success in reaching Uhuru Peak.
Trek Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Traffic
High
Difficulty
Medium
Scenery
Good
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Morning drive from your hotel in Moshi takes us through Marangu village, which is one hour away. After signing in at the Marangu gate, you will be provided with packed lunch boxes and water, after which we’ll begin the 4 – 5 hour walk to Mandara Hut. The walk will be slow, and it’ll take you through a dense and humid forest, and you will have the lunch along the way. Dinner will be served at Mandara Hut, and you’ll spend the night here as well.
- Elevation 1800meters to 2720meters
- Distance: 7km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Lunch boxes and water will be provided after breakfast, before you begin your trek to Horombo Hut. After about 45 minutes in the forest, we’ll arrive to the area of long grass and stunning view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As our trek continues, the terrain will transform into moorland. The lunch break will be at the picnic site, and our trail ends at Horombo hut, where dinner will be served before you turn in for the night.
- Elevation 2720 meters to 3720 meters
- Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Heather and Moorland
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Horombo Hut
This day is reserved for your acclimatization., you will go for a walk. After breakfast, you will hike up to the base of Mwenzi Peak at 4330m, and along the way you will pass quite unique Zebra Rock. On the return to Horombo Hut you will be have hot lunch. Dinner will also be served at Horombo, where you will spend the night.
- Elevation 3720meters to 4330meters to 3720meters
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The hike to Kibo Hut follows after breakfast, and you will be supplied with lunch boxes and water before we leave. Our hike continues across the desolate alpine desert of the ‘Saddle’ that divides Kibo and Mawenzi. This is where we’ll pass the last water point, and the porter will carry for us supply of water required for food, hot drinks and drinking. Dinner will be served at Kibo Hut where you will spend the night.
- Elevation 3720 meters to 4700 meters
- Distance: 11.5km
- Hiking Time:6 to 7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will wake up at around 11:30 P.M. for a hot cup of tea or coffee, and then get ready for your hike to the summit which will begin at around 12:30 P.M. The temperature at around this time is below freezing. The trail you will take twists upwards through heavy scree towards the Gilman’s point. Once we reach Gilman’s point, hot cup of tea or coffee will be served to warm you up, accompanied by breathtaking view of the sunrise over Mawenzi.
The hike to Uhuru peak continues for another 1.5 hours, over a gentle slope around the edge of the crater rim. Uhuru peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. Once at the top, you will spend a short time enjoying the view and photograph your success, before we begin the steep hike back to Kibo hut for lunch and some rest. Our descend continues to Horombo Hut for dinner and a good night’s rest.
- Elevation 4700 meters to 5895 meters to 3720 meters
- Distance: 20km
- Hiking Time:13 – 14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast and the last celebration with the porters, you will trek down to Marangu gate. Once here, you will have a hot lunch. Vehicle will meet you at the gate to take you back to your accommodation in Moshi where you can shower and rest.
- Elevation 3720metes to 1800meters
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time:6-7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-Desert
Detailed Breakdown
Trekking Cost Includes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Tips for the support team
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
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DISCLAIMER
Please note that all trip prices are based on our own Company costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. We reserve the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp, or any other service provider raises their rates, we reserve the right to require additional payment from the client.
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