TOUR OVERVIEW

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s towering jewel and the world’s highest free-standing mountain, invites thousands of adventurers each year to its snow-capped summit. Of the seven official trekking routes, the Marangu Route, known affectionately as the “Coca-Cola Route,” remains one of the most popular—and for good reason.

The Marangu Route is the only path on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations, allowing trekkers to sleep in solid shelters rather than tents. With a steady and direct ascent profile, this route is ideal for beginners and those seeking a relatively comfortable and well-organized adventure. Over six days, trekkers traverse rich rainforest, sprawling moorland, and stark alpine desert before finally standing atop Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa.

TOUR PLAN

Expand All

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate. Registration and permits are handled here before the trek begins through lush rainforest trails teeming with colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. The air is thick with moisture and energy.

You’ll arrive at Mandara Hut—your first overnight stay—by late afternoon. Enjoy hot tea, acclimatization walks to Maundi Crater, and an early dinner.

Start Elevation: 1,860m | End Elevation: 2,700m
Distance: 8 km | Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Montane Rainforest

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, you'll ascend through heather and moorland, where the landscape opens and transitions from dense forest to shrubs and giant lobelias. The trail offers sweeping views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Arriving at Horombo Hut, you’ll feel the altitude more prominently. After settling in, many trekkers take an acclimatization hike up the trail toward Zebra Rocks.

Start Elevation: 2,700m | End Elevation: 3,720m
Distance: 11 km | Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Days 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today's trek leads you into a surreal, lunar-like environment. The path rises gradually, cutting through The Saddle—a vast plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo. It’s arid and cold, with high winds and silence only broken by your boots.

Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll eat an early dinner and try to get some rest. The summit push begins at midnight, so hydration and sleep are key.

Start Elevation: 3,720m | End Elevation: 4,700m
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Days 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today's trek leads you into a surreal, lunar-like environment. The path rises gradually, cutting through The Saddle—a vast plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo. It’s arid and cold, with high winds and silence only broken by your boots.

Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll eat an early dinner and try to get some rest. The summit push begins at midnight, so hydration and sleep are key.

Start Elevation: 3,720m | End Elevation: 4,700m
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Days 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then back to Horombo Hut

This is the toughest, most rewarding day. You’ll start climbing by headlamp around midnight. The air is thin, and the terrain is steep. You’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) at sunrise—a truly magical moment.

From there, it's another 1.5 hours along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After soaking in your achievement and snapping those summit photos, you’ll descend back to Kibo, rest briefly, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Start Elevation: 4,700m | Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895m
End Elevation: 3,720m
Distance: ~21 km | Time: 12–14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final leg is a steady descent back through moorlands and forest trails to the Marangu Gate. You’ll sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro Certificate of Achievement—green for reaching Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak.

Transport awaits to return you to Moshi or Arusha for a celebratory meal, a hot shower, and rest.

Start Elevation: 3,720m | End Elevation: 1,860m
Distance: 19 km | Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest