KILIMANJARO - MARANGU ROUTE

PAMOJA SAFARIS

TRIP ITINERARY OVERVIEW

The Marangu route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the oldest and most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodation all of the way up, making it a preferred choice for those who are not keen on camping. The standard itinerary for the Marangu route usually takes 5 to 6 days, with an extra day added for acclimatization for those who opt for the 6-day trek.

MARANGU ROUTE

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be met by a Pamoja Safaris guide and taken to your lodge in Arusha. Alternatively, for those who have joined us for the safari portion of the trip, you’ll have this day to rest at the lodge.
Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 02

PREPARATION DAY

After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your guide will join you in making preparations for the climb, including talking over the plans for the days ahead, a gear check, and grabbing any rental equipment necessary. Dinner will be at your lodge that evening.
Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 03

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

The journey starts at Londorossi Gate, where trekkers register and begin their hike. The path leads through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp for the first night, offering a gentle introduction to the trek.
Distance: 8 km/5 mi
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
DAY 04
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens into rolling alpine meadow dotted with unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsel. Horombo Hut offers breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This day helps with acclimatization, with many trekkers feeling the effects of altitude for the first time.
Distance: 12 km/7.5 mi
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
DAY 05
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The landscape shifts dramatically as you enter the alpine desert zone, with vegetation becoming sparser. The trail climbs steadily, skirting the base of Mawenzi before crossing the lunar-like Saddle, a broad desert zone between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Kibo Hut is situated at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance: 10 km/6.2 mi
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
DAY 06
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
You will start around midnight to climb the steep and final ascent to Uhuru Peak, passing Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. This part of the hike is the most challenging due to the steep incline, altitude, and low temperatures. Reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll have reached the highest point in Africa. After enjoying the sunrise and panoramic views from the summit, descend to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
Distance: 6 km/3.7 mi ascent + 16 km/10 mi descent
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ascent + 4-6 hours descent
DAY 07
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend through the moorland to the Mandara Hut, where a hot lunch awaits. Then continue your descent through the lush forest to Marangu Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates here. From the gate, you will be driven back to your hotel to celebrate your achievement.
Distance: 18 km/11.2 mi
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
DAY 08
DEPARTURE
Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until your flight back. You’ll be transferred by the hotel to the airport (15 minutes drive) approximately 2.5 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Departure Day

EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT

Premium Tents

High End Sleeping Pads & Bags

Experienced Guides

Price includes

$ 5900+
- start price (depending on group size & season)
  • All domestic transport
  • Fees & Taxes
  • All meals (as specified per day)
  • Base gratuity for all staff

Price excludes

-
a 30% deposit is required to book
  • International Travel
  • Private room (available for extra charge)
  • International Airfare and Visa
  •  

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Gorilla Trekking

Search for the elusive northern black rhinos that inhabit the lesser-traveled areas of Serengeti National Park alongside a team of park rangers. By far the toughest animal to spot on any Tanzanian safari, the rhinoceros is known for being difficult to locate as well as notoriously skittish around humans. Our park ranger friends, trained to observe and protect the rhinos 24/7/365, will guide us to the closest population of rhinos so that we can observe them safely in their natural habitat.

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Ready to plan your trip?

Get in contact and one of our team members will get back to you to start planning the details of your trip.

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