Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
The 'coca-cola' route
Marangu Route
Known as the 'Coca-Cola' route, the Marangu route approaches Kilimanjaro from the south-east. It is the oldest and most well-established route, favoured because it is considered the easiest path on the mountain thanks to its gradual slope and direct path.
Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodation, with bunk beds at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo Huts. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, and soft drinks, bottled water and beer are available.
It is well known that the 5-day Marangu has one of the lowest summit success rates of all routes. If you choose Marangu, we strongly recommend the 6-day version with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, which greatly increases your chance of reaching the summit.
Day by day
After breakfast we head to the National Park gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through tropical rain forest near the upper edge of the forest line — keep an eye out for blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Our second day begins with a steep but non-technical ascent through forest that opens into high moorland. If the weather allows, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
An extra day to acclimatise, spent day-hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi and greatly improves your chances of a successful summit.
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our camp at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit.
Leaving around midnight, we make our way to the summit in hope of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree slope, with climbers visible only by headlamp. The views from the summit are dramatic and immense. After taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.
A long but mostly downhill trek. At the park headquarters at Marangu Gate we collect the certificates that prove our achievement, then transfer by vehicle to the hotel for a celebration.
The fine print
Transparent inclusions and exclusions so you know exactly what your package covers.
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