The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers hut accommodations instead of tents. It is considered one of the easier routes due to its gradual slopes, but the success rate can be lower because many climbers attempt it in just 5 days instead of the recommended 6 days for better acclimatization.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today, we will have a pre-trek briefing, review your equipment, and rent any necessary gear.

Day 2: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers scenic views, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

 Elevation: 1860m/6100ft → 2700m/8875ft

 Distance: 8km/5mi

 Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

 Habitat: Montane Forest

 Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leave the glades of the rainforest, following an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo Hut. Enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of altitude.

 Elevation: 2700m/8875ft → 3700m/12,200ft

 Distance: 12km/7.5mi

 Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

 Habitat: Heathland

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Continue ascending past the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation begins with upper heathland and disappears into a moonscape. Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

 Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft → 4700m/15,500ft

 Distance: 9km/5.5mi

 Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

 Habitat: Alpine Desert

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 AM), commence the final summit ascent on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Enjoy unbelievable views, take photos, and celebrate your achievement!

Descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight.

 Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft → 5895m/19,340ft → 3700m/12,200ft

 Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

 Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

 Habitat: Alpine Desert

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi

After breakfast, descend through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the Marangu Gate. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy—gaiters and trekking poles are useful.

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

 Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft → 1700m/5500ft

 Distance: 20km/12.5mi

 Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

 Habitat: Forest

 Meals: Breakfast

Key Adjustments for 6 Days

• Day 4: Removed the extra rest day at Horombo Hut.
• Summit Day: Stays the same as in the 7-day version.
• Descent Schedule: Follows the standard itinerary, ensuring proper acclimatization.

This is a balanced itinerary that provides good acclimatization while keeping the total trek within 6 days. Let me know if you need any further modifications!