5-Day Marangu Route – “Coca-Cola Route” Kilimanjaro Trek
Overview
Short Description:
The Marangu Route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most budget-friendly way to
summit Africa’s highest mountain. It is the only route offering the comfort of sleeping huts with
solar lighting and cozy beds. Over five days, enjoy diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to
high alpine desert, and witness a breathtaking sunrise from Uhuru Peak. Professional guides,
hearty meals, and communal dining huts make this trek a unique and social Kilimanjaro
experience.
Included/Exclude
Tour Plan
Day 0 – Arrival & Pre-Trek Briefing in Moshi
Arrive in Moshi at least one day before your trek. Optional airport transfers available from
Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport. Pre-trek briefing, gear check, and rental of any missing
equipment at your hotel.
Meals: None
Day 1 – Moshi to Mandara Hut
Drive to Marangu Gate (~1 hr), register, and begin trekking through lush rainforest to
Mandara Hut. Optional side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views. Spot Colobus
monkeys and diverse birdlife.
Elevation: 1,860m → 2,700m
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the rainforest for open moorland. Spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, with
giant lobelias and groundsels along the trail.
Elevation: 2,700m → 3,700m
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the alpine desert, passing the last water point and trekking across the saddle between
Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut for rest before the summit push.
Elevation: 3,700m → 4,700m
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Summit push begins between midnight and 2:00 a.m. Climb scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685m),
then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend to Kibo for a break, then continue to Horombo
Hut.
Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,700m
Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down
Time: 6–8 hours up / 6–8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Summit Glacier, Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and
return to Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Elevation: 3,700m → 1,700m
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland & Forest
Meals: Breakfast
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