Marangu Route, popularly called “Coca-Cola Route”, is the most renowned route to trek Kilimanjaro. Marangu is the only route that provides sleeping in huts, all the way to Uhuru Peak, contrary to all other routes where you get to sleep in tents/sleeping bags. The route is very steady, with gradual slopes, but it is far from easy. It has a very low success rate, because trackers tend to not take it seriously, due to its reputation to be “Tourists Route”.
You do not need camping gear while trekking Marangu, but by all means you need to be physically prepared for the climb, otherwise there is a good chance for dropping out before reaching the top.
The route is offered at 5 or 6 days, but note that on shorter plan you do not have a day for acclimatization, which is usually necessary to accommodate high altitude conditions. Descend is at Marangu gate.
Day 1: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 2 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meal: Breakfast
Included
Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Moshi Town
Full board accommodation on the mountain
All park fees
Hut fees
Oxygen cylinder – only for emergency
English speaking guide
Mountain crew (cook and porters)
First aid kit and pulse oximeter
Bottled drinking
Mentioned transfers
Excluded
Sleeping bags
Gratuities
Beverage
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Flight
Laundry
All meals and drinks in Moshi town
PRICE
The price is $2150 per person to Join the Group
The price is $2600 per person for Private Climb.
