5 Days Marangu (“Coca Cola”) Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
Trip information

The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca Cola route, is a favorite among many climbers. Why? Because it can be completed in fewer days and offers comfortable sleep huts at the campsites.
Now, let's talk about summit night. From Kibo Hut, the path to Uhuru Peak is quite challenging. It's a shorter route that goes uphill more steeply, leaving less time for acclimatization. Due to this, climbers on this route tend to have a lower success rate in reaching the summit.
Something unique about the Marangu Route is that it shares the same path for both ascent and descent. While this may seem convenient, it also means that there's more traffic on this route. So, if you prefer a quiete .

• For the Marangu route, enjoy a fantastic 5-day, 4-night adventure for only USD $2310 per person.
• Accommodations 2nights after and before the trip.

When you reach Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and then take you to your cozy overnight stay at a charming B&B hotel in Arusha. Your knowledgeable head guide will personally meet you to provide a briefing, check your gear, and assist you in renting any necessary equipment you may require.

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE

MANDARA HUTS: 7K /MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

When leaving Arusha for Moshi, you'll embark on a one-hour drive through the charming Village of Marangu, which will take you all the way to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Once there, we'll patiently wait for our permits to be issued, giving us the perfect opportunity to observe the bustling preparations of many crews getting ready for their upcoming journeys. Get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking rainforest scenery and the winding trails as your guide shares fascinating facts about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. It's important to note that at these lower elevations, the trail can get pretty muddy and slippery. To make your trek more enjoyable, we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS

HOROMBO HUTS: 11KM/3MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

After enjoying a refreshing night's rest and a delicious breakfast, we venture out of the enchanting rainforest and follow a path that gradually slopes upward, leading us through beautiful heathlands. Our eyes eagerly seek out magnificent giant lobelias and groundsels along the way. As we ascend further, we find ourselves in vast open moorlands, where charming shrubs dominate the landscape. Around halfway, we pause for a delightful lunch break and are treated to breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Mawenzi. Eventually, by late afternoon, we reach the incredible Horombo Huts, nestled below the awe-inspiring Kibo Summit viewpoint. As evening approaches, the temperature begins to dip, creating a wonderfully invigorating atmosphere.

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our adventure continues as we make our way through the gradually shrinking heathland. As we progress, the landscape seamlessly transforms into a breathtaking moonscape, especially as we enter the expansive saddle that links Mawenzi and Kibo. This is the perfect spot to pause for a delicious lunch, allowing us to replenish our energy. Take this opportunity to soak in the incredible surroundings and observe the thrilling ascent up Kibo, which awaits us in only a few hours' time. Can't wait to embark on this exhilarating journey together!

DAY 4: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4KM /2.5 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 14KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Morning is finally here, and the excitement is growing. We're kicking things off bright and early, starting between midnight and 2 a.m. Now, this is the toughest part of the trek, both mentally and physically.
But don't worry, we're determined to reach our goal. We continue our journey towards the summit, maneuvering through a switchback formation. It's all about staying warm and focused, keeping our eyes on the incredible sense of accomplishment awaiting us.
As we ascend, we'll encounter challenging terrain like heavy scree and maybe even some snow. Our destination is Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where a breathtaking sunrise will greet us during a brief rest. If you're a fast hiker, you might catch the sunrise from the summit itself.
From here, it's just one more hour of ascent to Uhuru Peak. Brace yourself for snow along the way, but take it as a sign that you're getting closer. And guess what? You've made it! Step by step, congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.

Once the photos have been taken, the celebrations have happened, and perhaps a few tears of joy shed, it's time to savor this amazing achievement. We start our descent to Mweka Camp, with a quick stop at Barafu for a delicious lunch and a short break. To tackle the tricky loose gravel and volcano ash terrain, we highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles. And rest assured, a well-deserved downtime awaits you to relish your final evening on the majestic mountain. Rest overnight at Mweka Camp.

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 18KM/11MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

Goodbye Breakfast and Heartfelt Team Bonding
Once you've had your delicious breakfast and shared a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to bid farewell. We start our descent, making a stop at the Mandara Huts for a delightful lunch. Don't forget to show your gratitude to the amazing guides, cooks, and porters who have been with you on this journey, as we'll be leaving them here.
We then head back to the Marangu Park Gate, where you'll be proudly presented with your well-deserved summit certificates. As the weather takes a warmer turn, the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep. To ensure you stay comfortable, we highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles.
Fear not! A comfortable vehicle will be waiting at the gate to take you on a scenic 45-minute ride back to your hotel in Arusha. Once there, you can finally indulge in a long overdue hot shower, followed by a delightful dinner and some well-deserved celebrations!
Enjoy the rest of your amazing adventure!

INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
• Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
• Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
• Airport Transfers
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water and Full Board Meals
• All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
• Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
• Gate Transfers
• Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
• Credit Card Transfer Fees

EXCLUDED FROM TREKKING PACKAGE:

• Flights
• Visa fees
• Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
• Gamow Bag
• Medication
• Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
• Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain