08 Days Coca Cola Route Marangu

Marangu Gate (1980M) – Mandara Hut (2700M)

Hiking Time: 5H

Distance: Approximately 12kms

Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs. Make sure that you have all your daypack items with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-frame huts in a forest clearing.

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Meal Plan: Full Board

Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)

Hiking Time: 6H

Distance: Approximately 15kms

Habitat: Moorland

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rainforest to moorland. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecio Kilimanjaro), which can reach heights of 5m. After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Horombo hut (3720m)

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers. Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking Time: 6H

Distance: Approximately 15kms

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. The recommended lower route is much easier and nearly an hour shorter, and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at 1900hours and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Meal plan: Full board

(Summit Attempt) Kibo Hut (4700M) – Uhuru Peak (5895M) – Horombo Hut (3720M)

Hiking Time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to get to Horombo

Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 2330hours, and after some hot coffee or tea and snacks you’ll shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort.

From Gilman's Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Meal plan: Full board

Hiking time: 6h

Distance: Approximately 27kms

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates.

Accommodation: -

Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport to catch up with your home flight.