The "Coca-Cola" or "tourist" routes are other names for the Marangu route. It is the quickest and most straightforward way to reach the top. Additionally, this is the only route that offers solar-lit sleeping shelters and cozy beds at every campground. The bunks include a sponge mattress and pillow, and the huts are shared. Although this route can be completed in 6 days for improved acclimatization, it is often completed in 5 days. You can spend the extra day hiking the little peak of Mawenzi or relaxing at Horombo.

Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft.

Distance: 8km/5 mi.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Montane Forest.

Meals: Full Board
You will depart Moshi for Marangu Gate at 8 a.m. Our guides, cooks, and porters will welcome you at the gate after the approximately 45-minute trip to Marangu. Once gate registration is complete, you will start your Kilimanjaro journey. The majority of the journey is on a small track that winds through the Kilimanjaro rainforest. At Kisambioni, the halfway point of the first day, you will have a picnic lunch. You will keep going through the rainforest after lunch until you arrive at Mandara Hut. Take a quick stroll to Maundi Crater or unwind for the remainder of the day. A clear day makes the short climb worthwhile because of the breathtaking views to the east across Taveta and to the northwest of Mawenzi Peak.

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft.
Distance: 12km/7.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Heathland.
Meals: Full Board.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Following breakfast, you will go to Horombo Hut from Mandara Hut and the Kilimanjaro woods. The majority of today's climb will take place on Kilimanjaro's moorland, a rocky terrain with vegetation resembling desert. After having a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu, you will proceed to Horombo Hut. You may take in stunning vistas of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks if the weather is clear. Around 3 p.m., you will reach Horombo Hut and spend the remainder of the afternoon unwinding. The Horombo Huts are regarded as the best on Kilimanjaro despite being incredibly popular. Hikers climbing, descending, and acclimatizing can stay in the compact, A-frame structures, which can house up to eight people apiece. Up to 100 trekkers and numerous porters, cooks, and guides can all be accommodated at Horombo.

 

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft.
Distance: 9km/5.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Full Board.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you will depart Horombo Hut to trek over the upper altitudes of Kilimanjaro across the alpine desert and moor. After an hour or so of hiking, you will reach the little mountain stream known as the Maua River. Maua is followed by a flatter topography and a decline in flora. Middle Red Hill will be your lunch stop. Through Kilimanjaro's Saddle, you will continue for two more hours after lunch on a constant rise. Despite the desolate desert landscape with sparse flora on the route to Kibo, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Kibo Hut will be your destination around 3 p.m. to recuperate and be ready for your midnight ascent.

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and Down to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft.
Down to 3700m/12,200ft.
Distance: 6km/4 mi up / 15km/9 mi down.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15 km/9 mi down.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Horombo Hut.

You will begin the ascent to the summit very early in the morning (between midnight and two in the morning) on steep, heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's Point, which is situated on the crater rim. You will now continue your ascent to Africa's highest point, Uhuru Peak. Everywhere you look are breathtaking sights. At the peak, a photo will be taken of you to show your loved ones. You will descend from here, pausing at Kibo for lunch and rest before proceeding to the Horombo camp. This climb starts in the dark and calls for flashlights or headlamps. You will need all of your warm clothing because it will be really cold until you begin descending. This is by far the hardest part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there.

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate , Drive to Moshi

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft.
Distance: 20km/12.5 mi.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Forest.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Following breakfast, you descend steadily through the moors to reach Mandara Hut. To reach the National Park gate at Marangu, you will continue to descend via a trail through a lovely forest. It can be muddy and wet at lower elevations. Trekking poles and gaiters will be useful. There will likely be lots of opportunities to wear shorts and T-shirts (be sure to have warmer clothes and rain gear on hand). At Marangu gate, a car will be waiting for you to return to Moshi for the night.

PRICE INCLUDED

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Park fees (For non-residents)
• All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinking water (On all days)

PRICE EXCLUDED

• Climbing gear
• International flights (From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips
• Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees