Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek the oldest and most popular Marangu Route, also known as the Coca Cola Route
  • 02 Take in scenic views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and the landscapes of Taveta
  • 03 Walk through Kilimanjaro's evergreen rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa," on your summit push
  • 05 Stay in mountain huts along the route with time for acclimatisation in Moshi

Marangu Route is the oldest, easiest, cheapest, and by far the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro, also well known as the Coca Cola Route. Its ascent is slow and steady, allowing for relatively effortless hiking for most of the way while showcasing the mountain's incomparable natural beauty. This 8-day trek includes acclimatisation time, overnight stays in Moshi, and the rewarding climb to Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa."

Marangu Route is the oldest, easiest, cheapest, and by far the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro, also well known as the Coca Cola Route.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Moshi

  • Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and taken to Keys Hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. BB

2
Day 02

Acclimatisation, Trek Briefing, and Optional Local Activities

  • On this day, you will attend a briefing in preparation for the upcoming trek and verify all your mountain gear.

  • After that, you may choose from a range of optional activities.

  • Enjoy leisure time at your hotel while you adjust to the Tanzania climate.

  • Go on a town tour and a local market tour.

  • Go for a walk and a coffee tour.

Overnight at Keys Hotel. BB

3
Day 03

Marangu Gate Through Rainforest to Mandara Hut

  • Have a chance to familiarise yourself with your guides, chefs, and porters before departing the hotel in Arusha.

  • Begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro after completing the gate registration.

  • A great length of the hike is spent venturing along a narrow trail enclosed by evergreen rainforest. Reaching Kisambioni is a milestone, as it signifies that you are at the halfway point of the trek.

  • Sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch.

  • Continue walking through Kilimanjaro's rainforest after lunch. Your final destination is Mandara Hut.

  • Once you arrive, you can decide whether you want to relax for the rest of the day or take a stroll to Maundi Crater.

  • If you face the northwest, you will see the striking Mawenzi Peak, which resembles a crown in the sky with its prickly edges. Turn to the east, and you will see the picturesque landscapes of Taveta.

  • Visiting on a clear day will ensure maximum viewing pleasure. You will spend the night in the A-frame Mandara Huts, which accommodate up to seventy people and feature beds with mattresses. There are several sleeping huts and a dining area.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Walking time: 3-4h + Altitude: ↑ 840 m

4
Day 04

Across the Moorland to Horombo Hut

  • Start heading towards Horombo Hut after breakfast. The environment shifts drastically as the Marangu Route takes you through Mount Kilimanjaro's moorland, a rock-strewn desert plain with succulent plants.

  • There will be a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu during the hike. If the skies are clear, you will have a chance to witness scenic views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

  • Arrive at the Horombo Huts at approximately 3:00 pm, and spend the afternoon relaxing. The Horombo Huts are exceptionally busy, but they are considered the finest huts on Mount Kilimanjaro. The little A-frame huts can house a maximum of eight people and provide suitable lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatising. They can accommodate up to 120 hikers, with additional room for porters, chefs, and guides.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Walking time: 5-6h + Altitude: ↑ 1,000 m

5
Day 05

Moorland and Alpine Desert Trek to Kibo Hut

  • After breakfast, hike through the moorland and alpine desert region of Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • After hiking for about an hour, encounter a small mountain stream called the Maua River.

  • Once you pass Maua, you will notice that the terrain becomes smoother and the vegetation starts to diminish.

  • Have an appetizing lunch at Middle Red Hill. Continue your trek shortly after lunch and spend the next four hours travelling to Kibo on a steady incline through Mount Kilimanjaro's Saddle. The silver lining of travelling through a barren desert is the breathtakingly stunning vista of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

  • Reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon. It is recommended that you rest and prepare for your midnight climb.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Walking time: 5-6h + Altitude: ↑ 1,000 m

6
Day 06

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

  • The final leg of your journey is the ascent to Uhuru Peak, which has been awarded the title "The Roof of Africa."

  • Leave shortly after midnight and begin the strenuous five-hour hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. This is considered the least challenging of the three crater ascent paths, but it is still an arduous hike. William's Point is the first major rest stop, and it usually takes two hours from Kibo Hut to arrive at the five-thousand-metre mark.

  • After thirty minutes of hiking, reach the rocky bends and twists that continue for over six hundred metres, or until you reach Gillman's Point. The incline from Gillman's Point to Uhuru Peak increases gradually. Consequently, it is not a difficult hike.

  • You will feel tired, and this part will take longer due to the high altitude. The crater rim hike will last about two hours.

  • Once you reach the summit, time is allocated to take photographs and celebrate your triumph. You will then start descending to Horombo Hut, your final stop on the route. The route down from the summit has magnificent views that you could not see while climbing the mountain.

  • You will have a chance to stop at Kibo Hut to recollect yourself and enjoy some energy-dense snacks. Reach the Horombo Huts in the afternoon, and spend the time enjoying your last moments on the mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Walking time: 12-14h + Altitude: ↑ 1,195 m ↓ 2,195 m

7
Day 07

Descent Through Cloud Forest to Marangu Gate and Moshi

  • Finish the trek by descending to Marangu Gate after breakfast. The final hike is simply magical.

  • Hike amid the gods in Mount Kilimanjaro's tranquil cloud forest. We advise that you watch your step, as the trail can be fairly slippery. Your vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to drive you back to Moshi.

Breakfast; Lunch

Walking time: 6-7h + Altitude: ↓ 1,840 m

8
Day 08

Transfer from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport

  • After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on a safari.

Breakfast.

Uhuru Peak, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, Mandara Hut

Where this trip takes you

Uhuru Peak, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, Mandara Hut

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 4 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking Kilimanjaro guide
  • Mountain crew (cook & porters)
  • Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water
  • All national park fees
  • All mentioned transfers

What's Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money
  • Travel insurance

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro Airport, Tanzania
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.

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