- +255 762 704 704
- +255 762 704 704
- info@ecosafarisafrica.com
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Unique for its comfortable mountain hut accommodations, this route offers a well-paced ascent through diverse ecological zones, promoting both a successful summit and a sustainable trekking experience.
With a gradual climb and an additional acclimatization day, this six-day program increases your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.
6 days / 5 nights
Mountain Trekking
Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate
English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese
Your adventure begins at Marangu Gate, where you complete registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. As you step onto the trail, you enter a verdant rainforest teeming with life—giant fig trees, moss-draped branches, and the melodic calls of tropical birds. Keep your eyes peeled for blue monkeys and the elusive black-and-white colobus swinging through the canopy.
The well-maintained trail gently ascends through this rich ecosystem, setting a calming tone for the journey ahead. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, situated in a tranquil forest clearing, you’ll have time to rest or explore nearby Maundi Crater, which offers stunning views across the border into Kenya. Accommodations are in simple but cozy wooden huts equipped with beds and solar lighting—an eco-friendly alternative to tents.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km | Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, the trail gradually climbs out of the forest and into the open heath and moorland zone. Here, the landscape transforms dramatically: tall grasses, heathers, and giant groundsels dominate, and sunbirds and lizards dart among the strange flora. The air becomes crisper, and views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s rugged eastern summit, emerge on the horizon.
This section of the trek is often filled with the scent of wild herbs and the sound of distant waterfalls. Arriving at Horombo Hut, you’ll settle in at 3,720 meters with sweeping views down to the forest line and across to the Mawenzi spires. The huts here are more spacious and well-maintained, with communal dining areas that foster camaraderie among trekkers. Drinking water is filtered or boiled, and all waste is responsibly managed to protect the fragile highland environment.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 12 km | Vegetation Zone: Heathland
Meals Plan: Full Board
This day is devoted to acclimatization, an essential part of altitude adjustment that boosts your chances of a safe and successful summit. You may choose to rest at Horombo or join a scenic acclimatization hike to the fascinating Zebra Rocks, named for their striped appearance caused by centuries of mineral staining.
This short hike helps your body adjust while offering striking views and a peaceful moment amid the highland silence. The return to Horombo is easygoing, giving you ample time to hydrate, relax, and take in the clean mountain air. Sustainable practices—such as reusable water bottles and energy-efficient lighting—are encouraged to minimize the environmental footprint.
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours (optional) | Distance: 5 km round trip | Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Meals Plan: Full Board
Today’s journey takes you into the stark and captivating alpine desert. You’ll cross the Saddle, a wide expanse of barren terrain between Mawenzi and Kibo, offering a surreal and almost lunar landscape. The oxygen levels drop noticeably, so a steady pace and deep breathing become essential.
There are no water sources beyond this point, making water conservation and proper hydration critical. The eco-principle of “carry in, carry out” is observed strictly to maintain the area’s purity. Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit cone, is a cold, wind-swept shelter where trekkers rest before their midnight ascent. Dinner is served early, and lights go out soon after, as you prepare for the challenging but rewarding summit push.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 10 km | Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals Plan: Full Board
Summit day begins in the stillness of night, guided only by headlamps and starlight. The trail to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) is steep and rocky, traversing scree slopes and volcanic ash. As the sun rises over the eastern horizon, the sight of Mawenzi casting its shadow over the Saddle is unforgettable.
From Gilman’s Point, the final push to Uhuru Peak follows the crater rim, often dusted with snow. Reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, is a profound and humbling moment—a convergence of endurance, nature, and spirit.
After capturing your summit photos, you begin the long descent back to Horombo Hut, passing back through the stark landscapes that, just hours earlier, led you to the top of the continent. The descent requires careful footing, and guides remain attentive to ensure a safe return. Upon arrival, a warm meal and much-needed rest await.
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours (6–8 hours up, 5–6 hours down) | Distance: 20 km | Vegetation Zones: Arctic, then Moorland
Meals Plan: Full Board
The final stretch retraces your path through moorland and forest, where the warmth of lower altitudes is felt almost immediately. The air is thick with the scent of foliage, and the chorus of birds welcomes you back. At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out of the park and receive your climbing certificate—a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak, or green for Gilman’s Point.
Your support team, which has walked every step with you, will offer farewell smiles and warm goodbyes. Return transfers to your lodge include a sustainable tourism briefing, and some operators offer optional tree-planting or local community visits to give back to the region that hosted your journey.
Meals Plan: Half Board
AICC Plot, Block "3" Sekei, P.O. Box 1302, Arusha, Tanzania
+255 762 704 704
info@ecosafarisafrica.com
Shangarai, Mkapa Street, Plot 814 Block “B”, House No 426 P.O. Box 1302, Arusha, Tanzania
+255 762 704 704
info@ecosafarisafrica.com
