6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Hiking Tour – The Coca-Cola Route

Also called the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu route is the most established among all other routes on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that has hut accommodations with bunk beds. Climbers who use this route do not have to carry camping nets. It is also the oldest route on the Kilimanjaro mountain. Can be done in 5 or 6 days, but we recommend the 6 days.

Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive at Marangu Gate and Hike to Mandara hut (1,860m – 2,700m)
• Day 2: Hike from Mandara hut to Horombo hut (2,700 – 3,720m)
• Day 3: Acclimatization Day; Horombo hut to Zebra rocks (3,980m) back Horombo hut
• Day 4: Hike from Horombo hut to Kibo hut (3,720 – 4,703m)
• Day 5: Summit Day; Hike from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak (5,895m) and descend to Horombo hut
• Day 6: Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,720 – 1,860m)

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive at Marangu Gate and Hike to Mandara hut (1,860m – 2,700m)

Post breakfast, your tour driver will take you the gate of Kilimanjaro national park where you will do from all the necessary formalities before setting foot on the mountain. On day 1, you will pass through lush green rainforests with chases of spotting wildlife along the way, so keep an eye out. In about 4 hours, you will be at Mandara hut, your final destination for today. Settle in and have enough rest. You can opt to take a walk to the nearby Maundi crater or sit back, enjoy the scenery as you relax.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Day 2: Hike from Mandara hut to Horombo hut (2,700 – 3,720m)

Out of the rainforest and into the moor and heathland zones. After breakfast you will continue ascent in the heath zone where you will come across the unusual giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. Stop for lunch thereafter continue your climb slowly up to Horombo hut where you will spend the night. Try as much as you can to keep warm tonight as temperatures begin to drop.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Day 3: Acclimatization Day; Horombo hut to Zebra rocks (3,980m) back Horombo hut

This day helps your body adapt to the mountain’s altitude. The guide will lead you on a walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi camp. Enjoy the spectacular views from these points before you walk back to Horombo hut for a well-deserved warm lunch and much needed rest. Relax and enjoy the rest on the day. You will spend a second night at Horombo hut.

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Day 4: Hike from Horombo hut to Kibo hut (3,720 – 4,703m)

Today we trek through the alpine desert landscape passing the last waterpoint and crossing the border sweeping saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. In about 6 hours or so, you will reach Kibo hut where you will spend the night. On reaching the camp, you will settle in and prepare your gear for summit night. Put everything you need in place, have your meal and get to bed early to get enough rest for you will attempt the ascent to the summit later in the night.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Day 5: Summit Day; Hike from Kibo hut to Uhuru peak (5,895m) and descend to Horombo hut

Final summit attempt, the day you tap into your energy reserves and all your mental strength. Your guide will wake you up like an hour early to prepare before you stat your final ascent to the summit passing Gilman’s point, take a breather continue to Stella point before finally reach Uhuru peak. In the presence of a clear sky, you will be welcomed by a warm beautiful sunrise. Take time at the peak to savor the moment, enjoy the views as you take time to rest before you trace back your steps to Kibo hut for breakfast and some resting time.

You will later descend back to Horombo hut for dinner and a much-needed long night’s sleep. Welcome back from the summit.

Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-5 hours descent

Day 6: Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate (3,720 – 1,860m)

Last day on Kilimanjaro, post breakfast, appreciate your crew (guides and porters) for the much-needed support during the climb then continue your descent with a stop at Mandara hut for lunch thereafter, your next stop will be Marangu gate.

Your tour driver will be waiting to drive you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Continue with your celebrations, you did it.

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

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