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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Tackle the Marangu Route on this 6-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the mountain's oldest and most popular trail, also known as the Coca-Cola Route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers sleeping huts, making it a classic choice for trekkers seeking added comfort on the climb. Along the way, take in wonderful views of Kibo, Mount Meru, and Mawenzi, trek through rainforest and moorland landscapes, and push on to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Experience the incomparable natural beauty of Kilimanjaro on this rewarding summit trek.
See the sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak illuminating the plain.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Drive to Marangu Gate (1800 m) with your Kilimanjaro trekking guide to begin the walk through thick rainforest. The trek takes 3-4 hours to Mandara Hut (2727 m), which is situated on the forest belt border just below the Maundi Crater.
Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Distance: 7 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, continue walking slowly for 5-6 hours along a path through the forest and then through the heather and moorland zone. From here, you can view Kilimanjaro's two peaks and Moshi town, with a lunch box provided for the journey.
Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath Land
Spend this day acclimatising and visit the amazing Zebra Rocks, whose patterns look just like zebra stripes. The hike takes 2-3 hours, after which you return to Horombo Hut for lunch, dinner, and overnight.
Elevation Gain and Loss: 2,900 feet
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath Land
Climb up to Kibo Hut (4703 m) over 5-6 hours, crossing the barren sub-Alpine terrain of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, with a picnic lunch box along the way.
Relax on arrival to prepare for the next stage, which begins shortly after midnight with a very early start at around 12:00.
Follow the zigzag path up the scree slope, stopping frequently to catch your breath in the starlit air. This is the steepest and most demanding section of the climb, taking five hours to Gillman's Point (5685 m). Gillman's Point offers great views of the Eastern Ice Fields.
See the sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak illuminating the plain. Then walk a further 45 minutes around the crater and up to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the spectacular glaciers illuminated by the sunrise.
Afterwards, descend for 3-4 hours to Kibo Hut (3720 m), with a rest at Kibo Hut on the route.
Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Enjoy an easier day as you have the luxury of walking downhill on the way to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Distance: 4 km ascent, 14 km descent
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Start a much easier day as you walk downhill from Horombo Hut to the gate, where a vehicle will be waiting for your transfer to Moshi.
Distance: 18 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Where this trip takes you
Uhuru Peak, Kibo Hut, Zebra Rocks, Mandara Hut
The route
The fine print
Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Hut or camping fees
All park fees
Crew salaries (guide(s), porters, and cook)
English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide
Rescue fees
Three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water)
Two nights' accommodation (one night before the climb and one night after the climb) on a B/B basis
Tent, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oxygen cylinder and ox-meter
All government taxes (VAT)
Tips for the crew (guide(s), porters, and cook)
Personal climbing equipment (however, equipment is available for rent)
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Extra personal needs (cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
Logistics
Your 6 days finish where they began, in Marangu.
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