Although it’s famously known as the Tourist trail or Coca Cola trail, some trekkers are misled into thinking that this 5 to 6 day climb is simply a walk to the summit. But a greater proportion of people fail on this route than on any other. The Marangu route begins from the south, near Marangu town. Perhaps not as scenic as other routes, it offers beautiful features, unspoilt rainforest and attractive landscapes.
Black and white Collobus monkeys are often seen in the mountain forest zones, with elephants occasionally encountered on the high moorlands. With a profile similar to the Rongai Route, but with less trekkers, this is a slow, gradual but challenging ascent up the king of Africa’s mountains. Accommodation on the climb is in Government Hut but you can choose to sleep in tents if you prefer so.
On Arrival: Pick up from the airport to Weru Weru River Lodge
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut
Elevation change: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance covered: 8 km/5 miles
Trekking duration: 4-5 hours
Mountain zone: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro
Elevation change: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance covered: 12 km/7 miles
Trekking duration: 6-8 hours
Mountain zone: Heath
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day
Elevation change: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance covered: 10 km/6 miles
Trekking duration: 6-8 hours
Mountain zone: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and down to Horombo
Starting anytime between 12am and 2am, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise shining from behind the Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep
Elevation change: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (and down to 12,205 ft)
Distance covered: 6 km/4 miles
Trekking duration: 6-8 hours
Mountain zone: Arctic
Day 5: Horombo to Marangu Gate
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi
Elevation change: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance covered: 20 km/12 miles
Trekking duration: 5-7 hours
Mountain zone: Rain Forest
Accommodation on this last day will be Weru Weru River Lodge if you stay in Moshi or Kibo Palace Hotel if you drive to Arusha
- Visa and travel insurance
- Local and international flights
- Trekking gears (See trekking equipment list)
- All drinks except Juice and Water
- Laundry
- Optional activities ex. Wildlife Safaris