6 Days Marangu Route – The Coca-Cola Route

Price

On Request

Best time

All year round

Trip Overview

Mount Kilimanjaro presents six established paths for ascending its summit: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. While Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe emanate from the south, Lemosho and Shira approach from the west. Rongai, on the other hand, originates from the north, near Kenya. Notably, all routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via the Mweka trail.

The Marangu Route, commonly referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, stands out due to its popularity. This fame arises from its shorter duration and the presence of permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
The journey to the summit from Kibo Hut is marked by steep terrain that leads through Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It’s a shorter route with a steeper incline, allowing less time for acclimatization, which often results in a lower success rate at the summit.
Notably, this is the only route where the ascent and descent paths are shared, leading to increased traffic.

Trip Gallery

endless memory to capture

Destinations

Moshi, Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate

What to expect

classic Kilimanjaro experience, scenic, passing through five unique climate zones

Day by day description

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will greet you and facilitate your transfer for an overnight stay at the luxurious Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel with a delightful B&B experience. Your head guide will subsequently meet you for a comprehensive briefing, equipment check, and assistance with any necessary gear.

Accommodation

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Day 1: From Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Altitude: 1,860 m to 2,700 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Departing from Moshi, a picturesque 45-minute drive leads through the village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. As permits are issued, take in the bustling operations as crews prepare for their journeys ahead. Immerse yourself in the enchanting rainforest scenery and traverse the winding trails while your guide enlightens you about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.
Lower elevations may bring muddy and slippery paths — gaiters and trekking poles are valuable companions.

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Heathland

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, emerge from the rainforest onto an ascending path that winds through heathland. Search for the impressive giant lobelias and groundsels. Ascend to open moorlands, where small shrubs dominate. Pause for lunch while soaking in breathtaking Mawenzi views. By late afternoon, reach Horombo Huts, nestled beneath the awe-inspiring Kibo Summit viewpoint.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts

Altitude: 3,720 m
Hiking Time: Optional short walks
Habitat: Moorland

This day offers the choice to rest or take a hike to Mawenzi base camp and return. The additional day enhances acclimatization and familiarization with mountain weather and altitude. This preparation greatly improves summit success.

Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Altitude: 3,720 m to 4,700 m
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Following breakfast, traverse dwindling heathland that transitions into a moon-like landscape as you enter the vast saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Pause for lunch and take in the spectacular views of the barren highlands before reaching Kibo Huts, where you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit ascent.

Day 5: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak, then Descent to Horombo Huts

Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m to 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic Summit

Anticipation builds as your summit push begins between midnight and 2 a.m. — the most mentally and physically demanding stretch of the climb. Ascend through scree and possibly snow to Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) for a breathtaking sunrise.
Continue for about an hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the Roof of Africa. Capture the moment, celebrate, and cherish your success. Descend carefully to Horombo Huts for a well-earned meal and rest.

Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Altitude: 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell ceremony with your crew, begin your descent through the lush rainforest. Stop at Mandara Huts for lunch before continuing to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A private vehicle will return you to Moshi for a hot shower, dinner, and a well-deserved celebration.