6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek — Marangu Route ('Coca-Cola Route')

The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is a popular, historic route on which nights are spent in solid wooden A-frame huts and meals are served in communal dining halls. It is the only route that ascends and descends using the same path. Often referred to as the 'Coca-Cola Route', we include the recommended extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut (3,700m) to provide a safe, high-success journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Departure: Arusha or Moshi (Daily departures)

Highlights

• Comfortable wooden A-frame hut accommodations with mattresses and solar lighting
• Communal dining halls with hot tea and chef-prepared hot meals
• Extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut (3,700m) included to optimize summit success
• Walks through lush montane rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert
• Ascent to Gillman's Point (5,681m) and Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Wildlife you may see

• Blue Monkeys
• Colobus Monkeys
• High-altitude Raptors
• Alpine Flora

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   Drive from Arusha or Moshi to Marangu Gate (1,860m). Begin trekking up through the dense, verdant rainforest canopy to Mandara Hut (2,700m). Optional side walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views.

   Meals: Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Mandara Hut (2,700m) — 4–5 hrs hike / 8 km

2. Day 2

   Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   Leave the forest and enter the open giant heather and moorland zone. Trek past giant lobelias and groundsels, enjoying dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,700m).

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Horombo Hut (3,700m) — 5–6 hrs hike / 12 km (1,000m ascent)

3. Day 3

   Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (Mawenzi Ridge Walk)

   An essential acclimatization day. Take an active acclimatization walk up to Mawenzi Ridge (4,300m) with incredible views of the saddle and Kibo. Return to Horombo Hut for hot lunch, rest, and acclimatization.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Horombo Hut (3,700m) — Acclimatization day

4. Day 4

   Horombo Hut across the Saddle to Kibo Hut

   Climb through alpine desert across the wide, barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Settle into Kibo Hut (4,700m) at the base of the summit crater wall. Early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Kibo Hut (4,700m) — 5–6 hrs hike / 9 km (1,000m ascent)

5. Day 5

   Summit Night: Kibo Hut to Gillman's Point & Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut

   Wake up at 01:00 for hot tea and biscuits. Begin the steep zig-zag scree ascent to Gillman's Point (5,681m, ~5 hrs) on the crater rim. Continue along the crater rim for 1.5 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — Roof of Africa! Descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Horombo Hut (3,700m) — 11–13 hrs walking time

6. Day 6

   Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha

   After breakfast, descend down through Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. Receive your official summit certificates and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

   Meals: Breakfast, Hot Lunch

   Stay: Hotel in Arusha / Moshi (Transfer included)