The 5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is a popular way to climb Kilimanjaro with comfortable huts to sleep in at each camp no need to carry a tent. The trail passes through beautiful forests and open mountain areas. It’s easy to follow with a clear, well-marked path. This route can be done in fewer days while still giving you a great and rewarding way to experience Mount Kilimanjaro.
Season & Dates | Solo | 2 Pax | 4 Pax | 6 Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low Season
1 MAR – 31 MAY
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
High Season
1 NOV – 20 DEC 6 JAN – 29 FEB
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
High Season
1 JUN – 31 OCT 21 DEC – 5 JAN | $1580 | $1500 | $1480 | $1430 |
8.3 km / 5 mi | 4-5 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 1905m (6250ft) to 2723m (8934ft)
Altitude gained: 818m
Departing from Moshi, a 1-hour drive takes you through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for their journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide introduces you to the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.
12.5 km / 7.8 mi | 6-8 hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2723m (8934ft) to 3721m (12,208ft)
Altitude gained: 998m
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and continue on an ascending path through heathland, where we might spot giant lobelias and groundsels. As we move into the open moorlands, small shrubs become the predominant vegetation. We stop for lunch along the way, with amazing views of Mawenzi. We reach Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, with a spectacular view of Kibo Summit in the distance. The temperature begins to drop as we settle in for the night.
10.5 km / 6 mi | 6-8 hrs | Semi-Desert
Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 4714m (15,466ft)
Altitude gained: 993m
After breakfast, we continue through dwindling heathland that transitions into a moonscape as we approach the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. We stop for lunch along the way, and later cross this large saddle, with Kibo Summit looming ahead, marking the starting point for our summit climb in just a few hours.
Excitement builds as we begin our summit attempt with an early start between midnight and 2am This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend in switchbacks through heavy scree and possibly snow, heading towards Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Here you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a short rest. Faster hikers may reach the summit in time to enjoy the sunrise at Uhuru Peak.
The final hour to uhuru Peak is likely to involve walking through snow, but the reward is worth it the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. After photos, celebrations and perhaps a few tears of joy, we take a moment to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Loose gravel and volcanic ash make the descent tricky, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended.
A well-deserved rest awaits you at Mweka Camp.
20 km / 12.5 mi | 6-7 hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m (12,208ft) to 1905m (6250ft)
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, we begin our descent, stopping at Mandara Huts for lunch. Be sure to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be leaving them here. We continue down to the Marangu Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates.
The weather becomes much warmer as we descend, and the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Once at the gate, a vehicle will meet you for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a relaxing evening.
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