6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via the Marangu Coca-Cola Route

• Depart from Arusha to Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning your trek in the company of a professional guide.

• Begin the hike by ascending into a beautiful, tropical rainforest.

• Get an opportunity to see blue monkeys at the upper edge of the forest line. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.

The distance covered on Day 1 will be around 8 km/5 miles, and the hiking time will be 4-5 hours.

• Start the day by continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland.

• Get your first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The distance covered on Day 2 will be around 12 km/7 miles, and the hiking time will be 6-8 hours.

• Enjoy this extra day meant for acclimatisation and spend it hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

• Spend time exploring the area and then head back to Horombo Hut.

The distance covered on Day 3 will be around 5 km/3 miles (*2 as you will climb and then return), and the hiking time will be 3-4 hours.

• Climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall, and you will camp here. Once here, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

The distance covered on Day 4 will be around 10 km/6 miles, and the hiking time will be 6-8 hours.

• Begin your push to the summit around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

• Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. At Gilman's Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, coming over Mawenzi Peak.

• Arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, descend to Horombo Hut.

• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

The distance covered on this day, while ascending, will be around 6 km/4 miles, and the hiking time will be 6-8 hours. While descending, the distance covered will be around 16 km/10 miles, and the hiking time will be 4-5 hours.

• Trek downhill through the tropical rainforest on your last day.

• Collect your summit certificates once you reach the park headquarters at Marangu Gate. A vehicle will meet you here to escort you back to the hotel in Moshi.

The distance covered on the final day will be 20 km/12 miles, and the hiking time will be 5-7 hours.