The Classic Coca-Cola Route
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is uniquely famous for providing A-frame hut accommodations, making it the preferred choice for those who do not wish to camp. The 6-day version includes a vital acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, significantly increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.
After registration at the Marangu Gate, begin your trek through a dense tropical rainforest. The path is well-maintained and offers chances to see blue monkeys. You will reach Mandara Hut in the late afternoon. Optional walk to Maundi Crater for views of Kenya.
Leave the forest and enter the heath and moorland zone. You will pass giant lobelias and groundsels. The trail offers spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You will spend the night at Horombo Hut, a small village of huts on the plateau.
An essential day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You will take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (named for their distinct black and white stripes) or toward Mawenzi Peak before returning to Horombo Hut for hot lunch and rest.
Today you cross the "Saddle," a vast lunar-like high altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. The air is thin and the vegetation disappears. You reach Kibo Hut at the base of the summit cone. Early dinner and sleep to prepare for the midnight summit bid.
Wake up at midnight. This is the hardest part of the trek as you climb switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and then Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and continue down to Horombo Hut for your final night.
A long but easy descent back through the moorland and rainforest. At the Marangu Gate, you will sign out and receive your certificates (green for Gilman's Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Drive back to Arusha for a long-awaited celebration.