Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites. Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline to the summit from Kibo base camp. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route are shared, thus creating more traffic. Duration: 5 or 6 days Difficulty: Medium Scenery: Good Traffic: High.
In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here
8.3km /5mi | 4-5 hrs. | Rainforest
Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m.
ACCOMMODATION: Mandara Hut
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heath land, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
12.5km/7.8mi | 6-8hrs | Mooreland
Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m.
ACCOMMODATION: Horombo Hut
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heath land that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
10.5km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m.
ACCOMMODATION: Kibo Hut
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Horombo huts, stopping at Kibo for lunch and a very brief rest.
ACCOMMODATION: Horombo Hut
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!.
20km/12.5mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m.
END OF TOUR
$670/p
Moshi, Kilimanjaro
+255 782 866 398
+255 782 866 398
info@safariexperttanzania.com
Experienced & Trustworthy Local Tour Operator Based In Tanzania. Mt Kilimanjaro & Safari Experts. Many More Memorable Activities in Tanzania & Zanzibar.