Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi
Day 0: Arrival
A well presented driver will be at Kilimanjaro International Aiport for pick up and followed by a one hour drive to your hotel/lodge in Moshi town. Your guide will be coming at your place where you stay for pre-climb briefing and gear check.
Day 1: Marangu to Mandara Hut
A guide will cpme at your hotel in the morning with a transport for pick up and take a drive of 2hours to Marangu gate, south-eastern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
After check-in procedure is complete, an trail starts at Marangu gate and continue until it opens into high moorland. After getting into moorland space, a view of Kibo and MAwenzi peak can be seen from a far. These peaks are two of three volcanic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 affects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
This day is special for acclimatization. It helps the body to regulate itself to adopt the change of altitude by hike to high heights while sleep at lower altitude. We hike to Mawenzi Ridge and return to for overnight at Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today's climb cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut, resides at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, we begin our trail up to the peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek. Extreme wind and cool is expected at this altitude. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point, we expect to see a beaitful sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of roof of Africa, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mandara Huts and break for Lunch. From the Mandara, we continue another two hours to Marangu gate. A vehicle will meet us at the gate to drive us back to the hotel.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)