Marangu Route 5 Days
The Coca-Cola Route - Hut Accommodation
Expedition Overview
The Marangu Route, affectionately known as the 'Coca-Cola Route', is Kilimanjaro's oldest and most beloved trail. It is completely unique because it is the only route that offers permanent wooden hut accommodations instead of camping, providing you with a solid roof and a cozy bed every night. Starting at Marangu Gate, you will ascend through vibrant rainforests, open into expansive moorlands, and finally push into the Arctic-like summit zone. Its relatively easy terrain and shorter duration make it a favorite for beginners, though the rapid ascent means you will need to embrace the local philosophy of 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly) to reach the Roof of Africa.
Package Pricing Details
5 Days Trek (+ 2 Days Hotel)
| 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7 pax | 8+ pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,570 | $2,190 | $2,016 | $1,943 | $1,900 | $1,820 | $1,790 | $1,753 |
Arrival in Arusha
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly drivers will be waiting to whisk you away in a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle to your hotel. Take this day to unwind by the pool, review your gear, and sit down for a comprehensive briefing from your expert guide to ensure you are fully prepared for the mountain.
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Arusha
The Property
You will stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Arusha featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and cozy rooms with mosquito nets—the perfect place to rest before your big climb.
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Trekking from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Your adventure truly begins today. After a scenic drive to Marangu Gate for registration, you will step into a lush, vibrant montane rainforest. Breathe in the earthy scent of moss-draped trees and keep your eyes peeled for playful blue monkeys in the canopy above. After a steady hike, you will arrive at Mandara Hut, where you can take a short side-trip to Maundi Crater for your first sweeping views of the landscape.
Overnight Stay
Mandara Hut
The Property
You will sleep in picturesque A-frame wooden huts tucked into the forest. These shared, dormitory-style cabins feature bunk beds with solar lighting, offering a rustic yet comfortable mountain shelter.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today, you will leave the dense rainforest behind and emerge into the breathtaking moorland zone. You will find yourself walking among giant heathers and otherworldly lobelia plants. The path opens up, offering your first clear, awe-inspiring views of the jagged Mawenzi and snow-capped Kibo peaks. As you arrive at the bustling Horombo Hut village, you will start to feel the crisp, high-altitude air.
Overnight Stay
Horombo Hut
The Property
Horombo is a large, established village of wooden huts perched on a plateau. You will gather in the spacious communal dining halls to share a hot, chef-prepared meal and swap stories with climbers from around the world.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Prepare to enter a completely different world. The landscape transforms into a barren, high-altitude alpine desert as you cross 'The Saddle'—a vast, dry expanse connecting the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The silence here is profound. You will arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you will eat an early dinner, hydrate, and try to catch some sleep before your midnight summit attempt.
Overnight Stay
Kibo Hut
The Property
Built from solid stone to withstand the harsh alpine winds, Kibo Hut is your final base camp. The dormitory rooms here are strictly for resting and preparing your mind and body for the ultimate push.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut
This is the moment you've been waiting for. Waking up at midnight, you will switch on your headlamp and begin the steep, challenging ascent through heavy scree. As you reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, the sun will begin to rise, painting the glaciers in brilliant golds and pinks. From there, you will push forward to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After tears of joy and summit photos, you will begin the long descent back to Horombo Hut.
Overnight Stay
Horombo Hut
The Property
Returning to the familiar wooden comforts of Horombo Hut, you will finally be able to collapse into your bunk bed, exhausted but incredibly proud of your monumental achievement.
Meal Plan: Full Board
Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
With a lighter heart and heavier legs, you will enjoy a beautiful, steady descent back down through the moorland and into the rich oxygen of the rainforest. At Marangu Gate, you will celebrate with your dedicated mountain crew and receive your hard-earned gold summit certificate before we drive you back to Arusha.
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Arusha
The Property
Return to the luxury of your Arusha hotel. A long, hot shower and a soft, comfortable mattress await you after your days in the wild.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Departure
Enjoy a final, celebratory breakfast at your hotel. Whenever you are ready, our driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home, carrying memories of an adventure that will last a lifetime.
Post-Climb Safari Tours
Most adventurers prefer a day or two of peaceful safari touring to rest their legs and witness Tanzania's incredible wildlife before heading home. Here are a few highly recommended short safari extensions perfect for post-climb recovery.
Explore Other Mountain Route
LEMOSHO CLIMBING Scenic Western Approach
| Duration | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7 pax | 8+ pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-day climbing (+ 2 days hotel) | $3,453 | $2,681 | $2,497 | $2,411 | $2,315 | $2,290 | $2,215 | $2,150 |
| 7-day climbing (+ 2 days hotel) | $3,892 | $3,000 | $2,790 | $2,700 | $2,654 | $2,543 | $2,425 | $2,377 |
| 8-day climbing (+ 2 days hotel) | $4,225 | $3,415 | $3,115 | $3,000 | $2,987 | $2,897 | $2,711 | $2,678 |