The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete it does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route up where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. An optional acclimatization day at Horombo Huts is highly recommended for those with no prior trekking in altitude experience under their belt.
The route starts from the park headquarters in the village of Marangu and heads straight westwards towards Kibo. The trail goes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland to alpine desert and ultimately the arctic zone at the peak and same route down.
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by a Green Tours Tanzania representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Meals
Meals are not included. You have the option of having lunch and/or dinner at the hotel or a restaurant in town.
Accommodation
Accommodation is at the Weru Weru River Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Alternative accommodation of the same standard will be provided if the primary accommodation option is unavailable
*For those on a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance
8.3km / 5.2mi
Duration
5 – 6 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on a sharing basis.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance
12.5km / 7.8mi
Duration
8 – 9 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on a sharing basis.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water Point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut which is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance
9.5km / 5.9mi
Duration
7 – 8 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on a sharing basis.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance
22km / 13.7mi
Duration
12 – 15 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Spacious 2-person tents. Accommodation is on a sharing basis.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance
20.8km / 12.9mi
Duration
7 – 8 hours
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Accommodation is at the Weru Weru River Lodge on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Alternative accommodation of the same standard will be provided if the primary accommodation option is unavailable.
*For those on a lower budget, you can request for alternative accommodation at a lower price or no accommodation as part of the package.
Day 7: Depart Kilimanjaro
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.
*We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region.
*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals
Breakfast Included
