Page: Marangu Route 6 Days
Overview
The popular Marangu Route, also called the “Coca-Cola Route,” takes 5-6 days to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This trek features a gradual slope, comfortable hut accommodations each night, and a relatively short distance, making it an achievable climb.
Day By Day Itinerary
The climb begins by registering at Marangu Gate, entering Kilimanjaro National Park, and hiking through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut at 8,700 ft. The leafy trail leads to our first stop - a basic but welcome hut with bunks and facilities. We fuel up with a hearty dinner prepared by our guides as we turn in early to rest for the days ahead.
After breakfast, we depart Mandara Hut for the day’s hike up to Horombo Hut at 12,200 ft. We pass through the last of the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone, with its giant lobelias and groundsel plants. The landscape becomes stark yet strikingly beautiful. We may even spot grazing antelope. The afternoon can be spent resting in preparation for the main summit attempt. After settling in, we enjoy another nourishing meal and overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Today we take a light trek to Zebra Rocks for acclimatization then make our way back to Horombo Hut for lunch and some rest. Spending an extra night at this altitude helps our bodies adjust to the decreasing oxygen levels. Well-paced ascents are key to avoiding altitude sickness before pushing higher.
We set off across the alpine desert and scramble up the rocky track to our last hut at 15,500 ft. - Kibo Hut. Theremote stone and corrugated metal hut will be our launch point for the final ascent so early to bed. Some may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches or nausea so staying hydrated and alerting our guides is critical.
We begin the final push to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft.) in the wee hours of the morning, aiming to reach the glacial summit at sunrise. The frigid nighttime temperatures give way to the warmth of the rising sun as we take in the limitless views of ice-capped peaks floating in the clouds below us. After celebratory hugs and photos, we begin our knee-jarring descent back to Horombo Hut for some hard-earned food, rest and shelter.
On the last day, we retrace our steps through the lush forest landscapes we began with, ending our memorable 6 day trek at Marangu Gate. Here we bid farewell to our expert Adva guides and crew before transferring to a comfortable hotel for celebrations!
End of tour
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Why Adva Travel
From start to finish, Adva Travel offers top-notch Kilimanjaro experiences tailored to each group’s needs. Their guides are put through a rigorous training program with intense focus on health and safety. Adva supplies quality camping meals, gear and transportation both on the mountain and off. By emphasizing sustainable practices, they aim to protect the pristine alpine environments for future generations as well. Those looking for a seamless trek from planning to summit will appreciate Adva Travel’s full-service approach.
