Kilimanjaro Trekking, Marangu Route, 6 Days (Coca-Cola Route)

Marangu route is also called Coca-cola route, because it is easier to hike just like drinking a Coke. Marangu route was a first trail for first climb attempts, and a successful summit was achieved by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889. Have beautiful green forests and moorlands, comfortable huts. People consider Marangu route as a luxury Kilimanjaro trekking package.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m).

Hiking time: 5 hours.

Distance: About 12 km’s.

Habitat: Montane forest.

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping withbeards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found.
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Day 2: Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m).

Hiking time: 6 hours.
Distance: About 15 km’s.

Habitat: Moorland.
From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo
hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Day 3: Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatisation day.

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! You will meet both
ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation.
Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.

Day 4: Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 6 hours.
Distance: About 15 km’s.

Habitat: Alpine desert.
After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat.
From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.

You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office.
There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Day 5: Summit Attempt,

Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m).
Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo.

Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent.
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree,
requiring a great physical and mental effort.

From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and
head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo
hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. .
Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m).

Hiking time: 6 hours.
Distance: About 27 km’s.
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reach UhuruPeak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi.