Exploring Mount Kilimanjaro’s Climbing Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro offers adventurers six established routes for summiting its majestic peak: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. While the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approach from the mountain’s southern side, the Lemosho and Shira routes traverse its western slopes. The Rongai route, on the other hand, leads from the north, near Kenya. Notably, all routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via the Mweka route.
Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, affectionately known as the Coca-Cola route, stands out for its popularity. This fame stems from its shorter duration and the availability of permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
The ascent to the summit from Kibo Hut is characterized by steep terrain that passes through Gilman’s Point to reach Uhuru Peak. This route, although shorter with a steeper incline, offers less time for acclimatization, potentially resulting in a lower summit success rate. Additionally, it’s the only route where both the ascent and descent paths are shared, leading to increased traffic.
Marangu Route Highlights and Specifications
Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Stunning
Traffic: High
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you. You’ll then be transferred to the luxurious Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (4 stars) for a comfortable overnight stay. Your head guide will later meet you to provide a comprehensive briefing, conduct a gear check, and assist you in renting any necessary equipment.
Day 1: From Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
Your adventure begins at the Marangu Gate, the starting point for the Marangu Route. This day’s trek takes you through the lush rainforest, a serene and captivating environment filled with unique flora and fauna. As you make your way towards Mandara Huts, you’ll appreciate the dense vegetation and the enchanting ambiance of the forest. The huts offer a comfortable resting place for your first night on Kilimanjaro, setting the stage for the days to come.
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, emerge from the rainforest onto an ascending path that leads through heathland. Keep an eye out for the impressive giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue the ascent to open moorlands, where small shrubs dominate the landscape. Pause for lunch while soaking in breathtaking views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Horombo Huts, situated beneath the awe-inspiring Kibo Summit viewpoint. As temperatures drop, the sense of adventure intensifies.
Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
Following breakfast, proceed through dwindling heathland, which transitions into a moon-like expanse as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. While stopping for lunch, take a moment to envision the summit climb up Kibo that lies ahead in just a few hours.
Day 4: From Kibo Huts to the Summit and Back to Horombo Huts
Excitement fills the air as you begin the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey, starting between midnight and 2 a.m. Ascending to the summit involves a switchback formation, requiring resilience and focus. The ascent takes you through heavy scree and possibly snow, leading to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Here, a breathtaking sunrise awaits during a short rest. Faster hikers may even catch the sunrise from the summit. As you continue towards Uhuru Peak, be prepared for snow along the remaining hour of ascent.
Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Capture the moment with photos, celebrate, and perhaps shed a few tears of joy. Afterward, begin the descent to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Gaiters and trekking poles are essential for navigating challenging gravel and volcanic ash terrain. An evening of well-deserved rest awaits at Mweka Camp.
Day 5: From Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate, and Beyond
Following breakfast and a heartfelt appreciation ceremony with your crew, bid farewell as you continue the descent. Stop at Mandara Huts for lunch and remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters. Returning to Marangu Park Gate, receive your summit certificates. As the weather warms, the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep—gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. A vehicle will meet you at the gate for the journey back to your Moshi hotel (approximately 45 minutes). Rejoice in a long-awaited hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Certified Ethical Climbing:
We believe that the tourism industry carries a responsibility to safeguard the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities. Our commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility is unwavering.
As proud partners in responsible travel, we actively support the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC). KPAP raises awareness about fair treatment for porters on Kilimanjaro and guides climbing companies in implementing ethical procedures. Our climbing expeditions undergo audits to ensure that crew members receive proper salaries, tips, food, equipment, and comfortable sleeping conditions. The positive feedback from our clients is a testament to our dedication—check out our TripAdvisor profile to hear their voices.