“The Coca-Cola route“

The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro and considered to be the easiest path given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. Less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path, the route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast.

This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut and guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts also have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

The route can be completed in 5 days; however, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut. Many favor Marangu making it the most crowded route for that reason.

 

DAY 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut 

You will be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,800 m) for registration and issuing of the climbing permit. The hike begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest that offers the opportunity of seeing wildlife like the Blue Colobus monkey; and passing beautiful hillsides to Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight.

 

Elevation: 2,700 m (775 ft)

Hiking Distance: 7 Km

Hiking Time: 3 – 4 Hrs

Accommodation: Mandara Huts

 

 

DAY 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

After breakfast, you set out for the hike towards Horombo Huts. The trail will take you through the rainforest to the base of Maundi Crater, which on a clear day you can climb to the top and get a clear view of Kibo Peak. Opening into moorland scattered with exotic plants including giant lobelia and groundsel, the trail continues to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.

 

Elevation: 3,720 m (12,090 ft)

Hiking Distance: 12 Km

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hrs

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

  

DAY 3: Acclimatization Day

This is a day dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. You can spend the day hiking to Zebra Rocks (4,200 m) or further to Mawenzi Ridge (4,600 m) and get views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks without forgetting the unique landscape. After spending a few moments exploring the area, you will return to Horombo Hut for hut lunch, rest, dinner, and overnight.

 

Elevation: 3,720 m (12,090 ft)

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

 

DAY 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you will walk through moorland then cross the lunar desert then across the Saddle to Kibo Hut, sitting at the bottom of the crater wall. You will have an early dinner so that you can rest in preparation for the start of the summit at midnight.

 

Elevation: 4,703 m (15,285 ft)

Hiking Distance: 10 Km

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hrs

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

 

DAY 5: SummitUhuru Peak) 

Very early at 12:00 am, you will start the push for the summit. The trail follows a steep rocky path up to Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) located on the crater rim. A short rest at this point will reward you with the most magnificent sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak and then proceed on to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 5,895 m (19,340 ft)

Hiking Distance: 5 Km

Hiking Time: 6 – 8 Hrs

 

• Descent to Horombo Hut

After spending a few moments at the highest point in Africa, you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut for brunch and a 2-hour rest before continuing descending to Horombo Hut for dinner and a well deserved night sleep.

 

Elevation: 3,720 m (12,090 ft)

Hiking Distance: 15 Km

Hiking Time: 6 – 7 Hrs

Accommodation: Horombo Hut 

• In total, today you will do almost 12 hrs of hiking while you increase oxygen on the descent.

 

DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate 

This is by far the easiest day as you descend and the oxygen supply increases. The trail will take you through the tropical rainforest, arriving at Mandara Hut in time for hot lunch. After a short rest, you will continue descending to Marangu Gate where you will be presented with your certificate, either for Gillman’s Point or Uhuru Peak; depending on how far you managed to get. A driver will also be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation.

Hiking Distance: 20 Km

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hrs