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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
The Marangu route, also known as the Coca-Cola route, is the least expensive way to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers sleeping huts at every campsite, with solar lights and comfortable beds. While this route is often completed in 5 days, this 8-day program includes extra time for acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. Along the way, enjoy Kilimanjaro's changing landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the summit of Africa's highest mountain.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but disappears into a “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu.
At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Today, you may opt to relax at the hotel or choose to extend your holiday by continuing with safari, but if not, our driver will transfer you to the Airport to connect with your flight back home.
Where this trip takes you
Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Uhuru Peak
The route
The fine print
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.
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