5-Days Marangu Route Mount Kilimanjaro: The Coca Cola Route

Explore the iconic Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. This is the easiest and shortest path to the summit, offering the comfort of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and cozy beds.

Day 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Depart from Arusha to Marangu Gate, ascend through a tropical rainforest, spot blue monkeys, and reach Mandara Hut at 8,858 ft.

Day 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Continue through the forest into high moorland. Catch views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Gradually climb, cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, and rest at Kibo Hut for summit day.

Day 4 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) / 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft (Horombo Hut)
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles (Uhuru Peak) / 16 km/10 miles (Horombo Hut)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours (Uhuru Peak) / 4-5 hours (Horombo Hut)
• Habitat: Arctic / Heath

Begin the summit push around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.

Day 5 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km/12 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Trek downhill through the tropical rainforest, collect summit certificates at Marangu gate, and transfer back to Arusha.

• Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
• All Park entrance fees.
• Rescue fees in mountain.
• Transfers from Airport and return.
• All meals on the Mountain.
• Salaries to the guides, cooks, and porters.
• Experienced English-speaking mountain guides.
• Government Tax.
• Hot water for washing every day.
• Clean, purified drinking water.
• Management and safety procedures.
• Water-proof tents for climbing, mess tent, and crew tents.
• Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees.
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food.
• Arrival and Departure transfers.

• Tips for guides, cook, and porters.
• ALTOX Personal oxygen System.
• Tanzania Visa on arrival.
• Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.).
• Optional Tours (short safari after your climb, etc.).

All necessary items not included can be hired at reasonable prices. Opt for Manyara Travel Club and Climbing for an ethical and locally supportive Kilimanjaro experience.