Route description:
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 program.
Day 0: Climbing Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast.
PRICES
| Solo Trekker |
USD 1374 per person |
| Group of 2 |
USD 1261 per person |
| Group of 3 |
USD 1217 per person |
| Group of 4 |
USD 1214 per person |
Price cover
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides and Porters
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Clean drinking water
- Park Fees
Tour excludes.
- Tanzania Visa
- Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
- Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of balance (5%)
