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Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro's Marangu Route, known as the Coca-Cola Route, on one of the mountain's oldest and most popular paths to the summit. Marangu is the only route on Mt Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodation for hikers. En route to Uhuru Peak, enjoy a side trip to Maundi Crater for views of northern Tanzania and Kenya, along with towering eucalyptus trees, birds, and colobus monkeys. Reaching the Roof of Africa rewards you with a sunrise that will not disappoint.
Reaching the Roof of Africa rewards you with a sunrise that will not disappoint.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins.
Today, we will take some time to conduct a pre-excursion briefing at your Moshi hotel. We will also evaluate your equipment and rent any equipment if needed.
After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (approximately 1 hour), sign in, and start the climb. Hike through the rainforest to Mandara Camp.
A side trip to Maundi Crater is a great way to see the surrounding area, including northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, watch for towering eucalyptus trees, birds, and colobus monkeys.
Altitude: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Mountain forest
Meals: Lunch and dinner
You leave the rainforest clearings and follow an ascending path over open moorland to Horombo Camp. The view of Mawenzi and the peak of Kibo is breathtaking. Look for giant lobelias and grouse.
You can begin to feel the effects of altitude.
Altitude: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Journey time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heide
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Rest day at Horombo Refuge with an optional hike through Mawenzi Peak.
Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0 km/0 miles
Journey time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heide
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Going up, we now pass the last point of water and climb the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins with the upper moor and then disappears into the "lunar landscape".
Dinner, rest, and preparation for the ascent to the summit.
Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5 miles
Journey time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Begin the ascent to the summit very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am) on steep, heavy scree or snow to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. We will continue and then climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
There are incredible views around every corner. Snap your photo at the top to show your friends and family. From there, we will descend, stop for lunch and rest in Kibo before continuing to Horombo Camp.
Altitude: 4,700m/15,500ft to 5,895m/19,340ft up to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km uphill/15km downhill
Walking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent across the moor takes us to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest track to the gate of Marangu National Park.
It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles will help you. Shorts and T-shirts will probably suffice, but keep rain gear and warmer clothes handy.
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 1 hour).
Altitude: 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Where this trip takes you
Moshi, Maundi Crater, Mawenzi and Kibo, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 7 days finish where they began, in Moshi.
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