Marangu Route

Expedition Overview

The 6-day itinerary, which includes a 6-day trek. The Marangu/ main route is by far the most popular way to the summit, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola route” because it is one of the more comfortable and less strenuous paths to the summit. The ascent is more gradual and no professional equipment is required. The Marangu route is often completed in about 5-6 days, making it one of the shorter routes on Kilimanjaro. The relatively shorter duration can be appealing to those with limited time.

Itinerary

  • Arrive at the airport, where you will be greeted by our agent and sent to your accommodation. You will meet our expedition leader in the evening for a tour briefing.

  • Distance: 8 km, Hours: 3-4, Habitat: Rainforest, Elevation (ft): 6,102 to 8,858.

    The trek begins in the lush rainforest, characterized by dense vegetation, including tall trees, ferns, and moss-covered ground. You will likely encounter a variety of plant and animal species adapted to this humid and tropical environment. As you ascend the vegetation becomes less dense, and the landscape starts to change giving you a picturesque view of the surrounding habitat. Also, the air becomes cooler as you keep on gaining altitude.

  • Distance: 11 km, Hours: 5-7, Habitat: Heath & Moorland, Elevation (ft): 8,858 to 12,204.

    The trail ascends through the heath and moorland zone, and the terrain becomes less forested and more open as you gain elevation. As you ascend, passing the Maundi crater you will be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the valleys and the lower elevations of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is well-maintained, and you’ll continue to follow a clear path marked by guides and markers. However, some sections may be rocky, and trekking poles can be useful.

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert, Elevation (ft): 12,204

    Leaving the comfort of Horombo Hut you will enter the vast expanse of the alpine desert, the heath and moorland zone unfolded before, revealing a landscape of open spaces, scattered shrubs, and the towering presence of the mountain. As you ascend, the view becomes increasingly breathtaking. Leaving behind the undulating hills of the lower elevations stretched into the distance, while ahead, the rocky terrain signaling approach to Kibo Hut. Along the way you may encounter scree slopes, which are composed of loose, fragmented rock. These sections can be challenging to traverse, requiring careful footing. Reaching Stella point on the crater rim is a significant milestone, the panoramic view from this vantage point is awe-inspiring, offering glimpses of the glaciers and vastness of the crater below. Kibo Hut is a crucial resting point before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you will take a few hours rest before beginning the challenging climb to the summit during the night.

  • Distance: 1.8 km, Hours: 5-7 ascend, 6-8 descend, Habitat: Arctic Zone, Elevation (ft): 12,204 to 15,419.

    As you leave Kibo Hut and ascend toward Uhuru Peak, you enter the Arctic zone. This high-altitude zone is characterized by extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and a lack of vegetation. The trek from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak involves navigating challenging terrain, including steep and rocky sections, scree slopes, and the effects of high altitude. The trail to Uhuru Peak is a testament for resilience, camaraderie and the indomitable spirit that accompanies those who dare to reach for the highest points. since Uhuru Peak is the ultimate goal, trekking this portion to Gilman’s point usually begins during the early morning hours, to reach the summit around sunrise, and then, as the first light of dawn paints the sky, you should be standing atop Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. Reaching it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. On clear days, you can see the vast of the African plains below. The journey from Kibo hut to Uhuru Peak and finally to Horombo Hut it is more than a trek, it is a story of personal triumph, shared struggles, and the profound connection between humans and the mountains they aspire to conquer.

    You will descent from the peak to the Horombo Hut, and its common for the descent to start in the morning after sunrise, allowing you to take advantage of daylight for better visibility. Reach Horombo Hut you will spend a night gaining strength for the coming day, trekking from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.

  • Distance: 9 km, Hours: 5-6, Habitat: Alpine Desert, Elevation (ft): 15,419 to 19,340 ft and below 16,404 ft.

    Begin your trek to Kibo Hut, the critical base camp for the next summit attempt. Retracing steps, then going west across the ridge and descending the slope, across the moon-like area known as the 'Saddle' wedged between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, is the goal of this stage of the walk. Despite the lack of vegetation, the views are spectacular. You'll eventually reach the Kibo Huts, which are located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Rest here before the last trek to the peak, which is set to begin at midnight.

  • Distance: 20 km ascent, Hours: 5-7, u Habitat: Heath, Moorland, Rainforest, Elevation (ft): 12,204 to 6,102.

    After having breakfast, you will proceed with your descent to the Marangu Gate to obtain your summit credentials. This includes receiving a certificate of achievement if you have successfully reached the summit, marking the conclusion of your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition.

  • Rest day / Transfer to the airport for your next destination.