There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approach from the southern side of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the western side, while the Rongai route comes from the north, near Kenya. All routes, with the exception of Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola route, is popular due to its shorter duration and the presence of permanent sleep huts at the campsites. It is the only route where the ascent and descent paths are the same.
Duration:6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, a 4-star bed and breakfast accommodation or a hotel of similar status. Your head guide will then meet you for a briefing, gear check, and assistance with renting any necessary equipment for your upcoming climb.
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 8.3KM /5MI | 4-5 HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m
Departing from Moshi, you will embark on a 1-hour drive passing through the Village of Marangu until you reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival we will sign up to get a permit then begin our climbing thereafter. The trails at these lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so it is strongly advised to use gaiters and trekking poles for added stability and support.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 12.5KM/7.8MI | 6-8HRS | MOORELAND
Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m
After a restful night and a nourishing breakfast, you will leave the rainforest behind and ascend through open moorlands adorned with small shrubs as the primary vegetation. Midway through the day, stop for lunch to take in the breathtaking vistas of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, you will reach the Horombo Huts situated beneath the stunning Kibo Summit viewpoint.
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUTS
A full day to spend at Horombo hut. This extra day is beneficial for acclimatization and provides an opportunity to gain further insight into the mountain’s weather patterns and high altitude conditions. You can take a tour in an acclimatization program to Zebra Rocks and come back for lunch and rest through the day.
DAY 4: HOROMBO HUTS- KIBO HUTS: 10.5KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | SEMI-DESERT
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m
After breakfast, you will trek through the diminishing heathland, transitioning into a lunar-like landscape as you enter saddle ridge that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. Normally here winds and other elements can be a little hush. If the conditions is nice you can have a good break in this area. This section of the trek also offers a glimpse of the journey ahead as the trail higher from the next camp is vividly clear. You will have a good break at Kibo hut with hot lunch, coffee or tea according to demand. A good sleep during the evening is necessary as the next hike will be commencing at midnight or later.
DAY 5: KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 6.25KM /3.9 MI UP | 5-7HRS | – HOROMBO HUTS: 15.75KM /9MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
Elevation: 4714m/15,466ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1181m
Descent to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude lost: 2174m
You will begin your summit attempt with an early start typically between midnight and 2 a.m. This phase of the climb is considered the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The combination of darkness, high altitude, cold temperatures, and the steep ascent to the summit requires determination, focus, and resilience. Rest assured that your guides and team will be there to support you every step of the way on this challenging but rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak.
As you ascend through challenging terrain of heavy scree and possibly snow, you will finally come to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim where you can pause briefly to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise, a moment of beauty and rejuvenation on your journey. For faster hikers, the sunrise may be viewed from the summit itself. Uhuru Peak is approximately 1 hour from Gillman’s Point. The journey is likely to feature snow along the entire stretch, a testament to the majestic and pristine environment of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! Take a moment to capture memorable photos, celebrate, and perhaps shed some tears of joy, the journey continues as you begin the steep descent towards Horombo Hut Camp, with a stop at Kibo Hut for lunch and a brief rest. It is highly recommended to use gaiters and trekking poles to navigate the challenging terrain of loose gravel and volcanic ash. Rest, relaxation, dinner, and overnight at Horombo Hut Camp.
DAY 6: HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 20KM/12.5MI |6-7HRS | RAINFOREST
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m
After breakfast, we will celebrate together with songs and handshakes then bid the team goodbye after tippin (a way to show your gratitude to your guides, cooks, and porters before parting ways with them ). The descent continues, with a brief stop at the Mandara Huts. Your journey leads you back to the Marangu Park Gate, where you will have lunch and receive your summit certificates as a token of your accomplishment. A vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 45-minute away.
Take pleasure in a long-awaited hot shower, savor a satisfying dinner, and celebrate the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro expedition. Reflect on the challenges you’ve overcome, the memories you’ve created, and the bonds you’ve formed during this extraordinary adventure.
Enjoy a well-deserved rest at the exquisite Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, a luxurious 4-star accommodation offering bed and breakfast. Following your stay at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, you have the choice to either embark on your journey back home, start an exhilarating safari adventure, or opt for a relaxing trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.