Coca Cola Route Kilimanjaro trek Marangu 6 Days

Overview

Also referred to as the “Coca-Cola route,” the Marangu route is by far the most popular route among tourists to summit Africa’s rooftop, Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trek will begin at the Marangu gate which is located in the south-east area of Kilimanjaro. The popularity could also be because of the fact that Marangu is the least expensive route. Furthermore, it requires only 5 days to summit the mountain if one follows this route, which is one day less than on the Machame route. However, this is not always the best as it offers shorter acclimatization period. But an extra day for better acclimatization can be arranged on this route which will increase the chances of summiting Kilimanjaro successfully. The Marangu route accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.

Day 1 Arrival: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi Town

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Moshi (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour.

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) - Mandara Hut (2700m)

We depart Moshi or Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest during this phase, you should expect and encounter mild rain, fog, and mud. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Distance: 8km
Habitat: Montane forest
Time: 4 to 5 hours

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)

After breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut located on a small plateau.

Distance: 11km
Habitat: Moorland
Time: 5 to 6 hours

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Acclimatization day

Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The area is characterized by alpine desert and there is no water at this campsite. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Distance: 11km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Time: 5 to 6 hours

Day 6: Kibo hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. 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. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (5685m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. On the crater rim, you have Gilman’s Point from where you’ll trek to Stella Point (5756m) and finally ascend all the way to Uhuru Peak (5895m) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking photographs at the roof of Africa and your accomplishment, you will start descending to Kibo Hut. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. after lunch we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Distance: 22km
Habitat: Alpine desert/ Arctic summit / Moorland
Time: 7 hours to Uhuru /3 hours back to Kibo/ 3 hours to Horombo

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Marangu Gate (1980m)

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Distance: 19km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Time: 6 to 8 hours

Day 8: Departure

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.