The Marangu Route, also known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, is considered one of the easiest routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The gradual slope of the path makes it ideal for any climbers who don’t want an arduous journey. Although a less scenic route than other routes, it is the most well-established route on Kilimanjaro and is the only route which offers huts for accommodations instead of just camping.
Route: This western route will take you the Marangu Gate through to Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut and then finally Uhuru Peak.
Accommodation: On the mountain you will be staying overnight in dormitory style huts, with some camps having running water and flushing toilets. Mauly Tours can organise accommodation for you the night before and after as well as transport to and from your accommodation both days.
Hiking Time: 7 km taking 3-4 hours
Terrain: Montane forest
Your first day will start at Marangu Gate, where your group will be registered and you will meet your guide and porters who will become your family for the next 6 days! Your guide will lead you through a cleared trail through a dense forest area which will quickly branch off, leading you alongside a stream.
There are two paths you can take once you reach the stream, both will take you to the Mandara Hut in time for dinner and much needed rest.
Hiking Time: 11 km taking 5-6 hours
Terrain: Montane forest, heather and moorland
Today will be filled with mountain scenery and beautiful landscape. In the morning you will pass through multiple terrains. Starting through the forest and skirting around the base of Maundi Crater, crossing meadows, and a wooded stream before reaching lush grassland.
Your path will take you across numerous moorland ravines before reaching Horombo hut, set in a rocky valley amongst giant sceneries or groundsels. This is where you will make camp.
Hiking Time: 5-8 km taking 3-4 hours
Terrain: Heather, moorland and alpine desert
Today is your acclimatisation day, to prepare you for the journey to the top! You will start by taking the ‘upper route’ to Zebra Rocks and then up to the saddle which lies in-between the two major peaks of Kilimanjaro, Kibo and Mawenzi. Here you will have a spectacular view of the Kibo Desert. Today you will have reached 3,980 m.
You will return to Horombo Hut for lunch and relaxation.
Hiking Time: 12 km taking 5-6 hours
Terrain: Heather, moorland and alpine desert
Today's path will take you through the rocky and rugged terrain. You will have to choose between two different routes up to the saddle, where your next camp lies. The fastest route will take you over a rocky and eroded path while the second is lengthier but much smoother.
You will have an early night at Kibo, as you will be up before the sun tomorrow to start your final climb to the summit.
Hiking Time: 21 km taking 12-16 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert, snow, heather and moorland
Today is the day! You will start the climb at 2 am (or earlier). The climb will take you past the final waypoint, Hans Meyer Cave (5,888 m/19,318 ft) after which you will scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillman’s Point. From there, the trail continues along the rim past Stella Point until you finally reach the summit of Uhuru Peak. You have finally done it! You have reached the highest point on in Africa at 5,895 m/19,341 ft. This achievement will be tough to top, that’s for sure.
After a moment of basking in your triumph, you will start your descent down to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest continue to descend to Horombo Hut
Hiking Time: 12 km taking 5-6 hours
Your decent to the Marangu Gate will seem like a breeze after the day you just had. Now it’s time to say kwaheri to your guides and porters. You will be taken to your hotel for dinner and for what will probably feel like the best shower you have ever had.
