The Marangu Route is also known as the Tourist Route or Coca Cola Route, this because is the most popular route on the mountain and the easiest way to the summit, Africa’s rooftop. It ascends gradually which allows for a generally effortless trek. It is the only route that approaches the Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is a term derived from the native Chagga language and the direct translation is “full of water”. This description corresponds with the luscious, green pastures and beautiful landscapes accordingly. The Marangu Route is highly frequented and it is the oldest route travelled. The required time needed to complete the hike is 5 days experts recommend a 6th day for extra acclimatisation on the mountain.  

Day 1: Arrival 

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. 
 
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m) 

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you are driven to the Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park. You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on look-out for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m) with bathrooms with running water and flush toilets. Unpack, rest and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served in the evening. 

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m) 

Wake to morning breakfast and pack for your next trek. Begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, where you can enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts after 6 hours, where you can see Kibo’s summit. Bathrooms with running water and flush toilets available. The porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site. 

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m) 

Wake up early morning to take photos of the sunrise and breakfast, thereafter you will continue your ascent through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night.  

Day 5: Summit Attempt 

Wake at midnight to a light breakfast, then prepare for your summit attempt. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. You begin your ascend with a steep, rocky and high altitude trail to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim(5,861m). From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before you descend back to the Kibo Hut, have lunch, rest, collect your things. Continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day. 

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) 

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to the Marangu park gate. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You will be picked up at the gate driven back to your hotel in Arusha where it will be good time for celebration and recuperation.  

Day 7: Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) 

You will be picked up by our driver and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. 

We will be more than happy to suggest beyond the Mountain Trekking, our other safaris packages we in Tanzanian safaris and Kenya, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The possibilities are limitless.