Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most affordable path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route that offers the comfort of communal sleeping huts at each campsite, complete with solar-powered lighting and beds equipped with sponge mattresses and pillows.
Mandara and Kibo Huts each accommodate up to 60 climbers, while Horombo Hut can host up to 120. Running water and bathroom facilities are available at the lower camps, while basic male and female latrines are provided at Kibo Camp.
One of the highlights of the Marangu Route is its social atmosphere climbers from around the world gather in shared dining huts, creating a vibrant and energetic environment.
The route is typically completed in 5 days, making it the shortest trail to the summit. However, a 5-day option is available for better acclimatization, allowing an extra day at Horombo Hut or an optional hike to nearby Mawenzi Peak.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, 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
You leave the glades of the rain-forest 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 affects of the altitude.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
1 Hour Drive
Breakfast
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