7 Days Marangu Route

MARANGU ROUTE

KILIMANJARO

7 Days / 6 Nights

OVERVIEW

Marangu “Coca Cola” Route

It is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. It is the oldest and many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.

This is the only route that the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground.

ARRIVE - ARUSHA/MOSHI

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative who will later transfer you to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi for overnight stay.

Marangu Gate 6,046 ft to Mandara Hut 8,858ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

We depart Moshi or 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.

Mandara Hut 8,858 ft to Horombo Hut 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

We 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.

Horombo Hut 12,205 to Mawenzi Ridge 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Mawenzi Ridge 14,400 ft to Horombo Hut 12,205ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
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.

Horombo Hut 12,205 ft to Kibo Hut 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

We 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.

Kibo Hut 15,430ft to Uhuru Peak 19,341ft - HOROMBO HUT

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft to Horombo Hut 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

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.

Horombo Hut 12,205 ft to Marangu Gate 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

On our 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 Moshi or Arusha.