The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest, most established, and most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s unique for its hut-based accommodations, offering a more comfortable alternative to tents. While shorter and potentially cheaper than other routes, it has a lower success rate due to less time for acclimatization; however, a 6-day version provides an extra acclimatization day, significantly increasing the chances of reaching the summit. The route is known for its social atmosphere and for being less scenic as it uses the same path for both ascent and descent
5 Day intinary for marangu Route on Kilimanjaro
This is a very popular route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, and is often more crowded than other routes. It’s also the only route with hut accommodations.
Assumptions:This itinerary assumes a 5-day climb, which is common, but a 6-day option exists for better acclimatization. It also assumes you’re flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Day 1: Arrival and Preparation (Moshi/Arusha)
- Morning:
Airport Pickup: You will be met at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by your guide or a representative from your tour operator.
Transfer to Moshi/Arusha: You’ll be driven to your pre-booked hotel in either Moshi or Arusha (approx. 1-2 hours). Moshi is closer to the mountain.
Briefing: Meet with your climbing team for a comprehensive briefing about the trek, safety procedures, and equipment check. - Afternoon:
Equipment Check & Final Preparations: Ensure you have all the necessary gear. You can rent any missing equipment.
Relax and Acclimatize: Take it easy, hydrate, and get some rest. - Evening:
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Early Bed: Get a good night’s sleep before the climb!
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,100ft) to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,860ft)
- Morning:
Drive to Marangu Gate: After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate (approx. 1 hour).
Registration: The porters will organize and pack the supplies while you and your guide register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
Start Trekking: Begin your trek through the rainforest. - Afternoon:
Lunch on the Trail: Enjoy a packed lunch along the way.
Continue Trekking: Continue ascending through the lush rainforest. Look out for monkeys and birds.
Arrival at Mandara Hut: Arrive at Mandara Hut in the late afternoon. - Evening:
Settle In: Get settled into your assigned bunk in the hut.
Short Acclimatization Hike (Optional): Your guide may suggest a short hike to the Maundi Crater for acclimatization.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hut.
Briefing: Your guide will brief you on the next day’s hike.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,860ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
- Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hut.
Start Trekking: Begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. - Afternoon:
Lunch on the Trail: Enjoy a packed lunch along the way.
Continue Trekking: Continue ascending through the open moorlands.
Arrival at Horombo Hut: Arrive at Horombo Hut in the late afternoon. This is a larger hut complex. - Evening:
Settle In: Get settled into your assigned bunk in the hut.
Relax and Acclimatize: Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hut.
Briefing: Your guide will brief you on the next day’s hike, which is an acclimatization day on the 6-day route.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
- Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hut.
Start Trekking: Begin your ascent into the alpine desert zone. The landscape becomes rockier and more barren. - Afternoon:
Lunch on the Trail: Enjoy a packed lunch along the way.
Continue Trekking: Continue ascending, passing the “Last Water Point”.
Arrival at Kibo Hut: Arrive at Kibo Hut in the late afternoon. Kibo Hut is a stone building with very basic facilities. - Evening:
Settle In: Try to get some rest.
Early Dinner: Have an early dinner.
Rest and Prepare: Prepare your gear for the summit attempt.
Early Bed: Try to sleep as much as possible before your midnight wake-up call.
Day 5: Summit Day! Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
- Midnight:
Wake Up: Wake up around midnight for tea and biscuits.
Summit Attempt: Begin your summit attempt in the dark. - Early Morning:
Ascent to Gilman’s Point: Hike slowly and steadily uphill on a rocky path.
Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,650ft): Reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Take a short rest.
Ascent to Uhuru Peak: Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. - Morning:
Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft): Reach Uhuru Peak! Take photos and celebrate!
Descend to Kibo Hut: Descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and some refreshments. - Afternoon:
Descend to Horombo Hut: Continue descending to Horombo Hut for the night. - Evening:
Settle In: Get settled into your assigned bunk in the hut.
Dinner: Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the hut.
*Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,100ft) – Departure
- Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hut.
Descend to Marangu Gate: Begin your final descent to the Marangu Gate. - Afternoon:
Lunch on the Trail: Enjoy a packed lunch along the way.
Arrival at Marangu Gate: Arrive at the Marangu Gate.
Certificate Ceremony: Receive your summit certificate!
Transfer to Hotel: You will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest. - Evening:
Celebratory Dinner (Optional): Celebrate your achievement with a celebratory dinner.
Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, you may depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or spend another night in Moshi/Arusha.
Important Notes:
- Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial for a successful and safe climb. Consider the 6-day option for better acclimatization.
- Fitness:You should be in good physical condition before attempting this climb.
- Gear: Make sure you have the proper gear, including warm layers, waterproof clothing, a good sleeping bag, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Tour Operator: Choose Kilimanjaro Exped we have experienced guides and porters.
- Altitude Sickness: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and inform your guide immediately if you experience any.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the trek.
- Pace:Hike at a slow and steady pace (“pole pole” in Swahili).
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in and respect the environment.
Typically Included:- Airport transfers
- All park fees and camping fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- Meals during the trek
- Camping equipment (Huts, sleeping mats)
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Drinking water
Typically Excluded:
- Flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Visa fees
- Personal gear and equipment (sleeping bags, hiking boots, etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Additional hotel stays before/after the trek
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