Kilimanjaro Climbing
6 Day – Marangu route
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route
on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which 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. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required.
The huts 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.
Day | Destination | Accommodation | Meals | Day Activities |
Day 1 | Arusha – Marangu gate | Mandara Hut | B/L/D | Kilimanjaro Ascending |
Day 2 | Kilimanjaro | Horombo Hut | B/L/D | Kilimanjaro Ascending |
Day 3 | Kilimanjaro | Horombo Hut | B/L/D | Acclimatization day |
Day 4 | Kilimanjaro | Kibo Hut | B/L/D | Kilimanjaro Ascending / Descending |
Day 5 | Kilimanjaro | Horombo Hut | B/L/D | Kilimanjaro Descend |
Day 6 | Kilimanjaro – Arusha | B/L/D | Kilimanjaro descending to the gate |
DAY 1: July/ August 2019
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Depart Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. 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.
DAY 2: July/ August 2019
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Heath
Start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
DAY 3: July/ August 2019
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205 Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 4: July / August 2019 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
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. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 5: July/ August 2019
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath
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 (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 6: July / August 2019
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
The 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 Arusha for dinner and night stay
End of Trekking / Hike / Climb.