The 5-day Marangu Route trek offers an accessible and rewarding path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," this popular route provides comfortable hut accommodations, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a supportive environment and fewer camping logistics.
Upon arrival at the airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport), you will be met by your personal driver guide or representative. They will drive you to your accommodation in Arusha for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay, waiting for your adventures to start the following day. If time permits, we can arrange an Arusha city tour for you to explore this beautiful city.
Relaxation
Mount Meru Hotel
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will take a drive from Arusha town to Kilimanjaro National Park. Marangu Gate lies at the edge of Marangu village, surrounded by small, attractive coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, you will climb up through an unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut.
Climb steadily through the moorland zone, which contains giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut. Sunrises and sunsets along this route are often breathtaking. The site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.
Climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree, offering a palpable sense of high-altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut at the bottom of the crater wall by midday. The afternoon is free to relax and mentally prepare for the summit ascent. The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating, with an early night to ensure readiness for the final climb.
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m., aiming to reach Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are well-graded zigzags, and a slow but steady pace will have us at Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. After a rest, we will take in the sunrise. Those who are feeling strong can attempt the three-hour round trip along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast, and we will return to Horombo Hut for the night. Expect to spend 10-11 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point.
Program of the Day: We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a greenish forest walks to the gate and transfer to Arusha town.
Relaxation
Mount Meru Hotel
