Route Overview
The Marangu Route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is a classic trek with comfortable hut accommodations. It offers gradual ascent through rainforest, moorlands, and alpine desert, giving climbers a balanced and scenic trek experience with a high summit success rate.
Day 1: Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Start the adventure with a scenic drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate through farmland and small villages. Meet your guides and porters at the gate, complete gear checks, and attend the trek briefing. Begin trekking through lush rainforest with tall trees, ferns, and waterfalls. Spot Blue Monkeys and various bird species. The gentle uphill trail is perfect for initial acclimatization. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon, enjoy a warm meal, briefing for the next day, and rest.
Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Continue ascending through the rainforest until reaching the tree line, where you enter open moorland. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. See giant lobelias and groundsels, unique to Kilimanjaro’s highlands. Take regular breaks for hydration and acclimatization. The trail is moderately steep in sections, but the scenery and changing landscape make it rewarding. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Horombo Hut Acclimatization Day
This acclimatization day is crucial for a successful summit. Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks or the surrounding ridges for spectacular views of the alpine desert. Spot endemic plants and small wildlife. Return to Horombo Hut for a relaxed afternoon of rest. Hydration and light exercise help your body adjust to the altitude. Evening briefing with your guides and dinner at the hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Leave the moorlands and enter the alpine desert. The trail becomes rocky and barren, with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. Short acclimatization stops are recommended to prevent altitude sickness. Observe dramatic landscapes, volcanic rocks, and the changing colors of the mountains as you ascend. Arrive at Kibo Hut, prepare gear for the midnight summit, enjoy dinner, and rest early for the long night ahead.
Day 5: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Summit day begins around midnight. Trek through dark, rocky alpine desert towards Stella Point on the crater rim. Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi and the surrounding plains. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point. Celebrate the achievement, take photos, and begin descent to Kibo Hut for a short break and refreshments. Continue down to Horombo Hut, traversing moorland and alpine desert, and enjoy dinner and well-earned rest.
Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Descend through moorlands and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Enjoy the contrasting scenery along the way and spot forest birds and small mammals. At the gate, receive your summit certificate and meet family/friends for photos. Afterward, a scenic drive returns you to Arusha for celebrations or onward travel.
Included in the Trek
- Park & rescue fees
- Mountain guides and porters
- All meals on the trek
- Hut accommodations
- Sleeping mats & camping equipment at Kibo Hut
- Oxygen cylinder & first aid kit
- Transport to/from Marangu Gate
Not Included
- International flights
- Hotel in Arusha before/after trek
- Personal climbing gear
- Tips for guides & porters
- Travel insurance
