This 7-day hike will take you to the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, via the Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. It’s the most established and popular route, offering dormitory-style hut accommodations instead of camping. Although it’s considered the easiest route, the summit climb is still challenging and requires determination. Here’s what you can expect day by day:
Day 1: Arrival and Briefing
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport, where your guide will meet you and drive you to Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel in Moshi. After settling in, you’ll have a briefing about the hike and equipment check to make sure you’re all set for the climb.
Accommodation:
Tulia Spa & Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Marangu Gate (about 2 hours) to begin your trek. The hike starts through lush rainforest where you’ll see towering eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys. The trail leads you to Mandara Hut, where you’ll stay overnight. Along the way, you can take a side trip to Maundi Crater for amazing views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
Elevation: 1860m to 2700m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut (Wooden huts with bunks and solar lighting)
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and hike up into the open moorland. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Summit. You’ll also encounter unique plants like giant lobelias and groundsels. As you ascend, you may begin to feel the effects of the higher altitude.
Elevation: 2700m to 3700m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut (A larger, bustling hut with a great view of the peaks)
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Take a break from hiking to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. You can go on a short acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m), passing Zebra Rocks on the way, to help your body prepare for the summit. Rest of the day will be spent at Horombo Hut, relaxing and enjoying the mountain views.
Hiking Time: Optional 3-hour hike to Mawenzi Hut
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Continue your ascent to Kibo Hut, passing the last water point along the way. The landscape changes to a barren alpine desert, and you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the volcanic saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut to rest and prepare for the summit attempt that night.
Elevation: 3700m to 4700m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation:
Kibo Hut (Basic stone hut with bunk beds, no water supply nearby)
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit and Back to Horombo Hut
The summit day begins very early in the morning (around midnight) with a steep and challenging climb to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, it’s a short hike to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After taking your summit photos, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Elevation: 4700m to 5895m (Uhuru Peak) then back to 3700m
Distance: 5.4 km up, 15 km down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine desert and ice-capped summit
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On your final day, descend back through the moorland and rainforest to the Marangu Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificate. If you reached Uhuru Peak, you’ll get a gold certificate; if you made it to Gilman’s Point, you’ll receive a green certificate. A vehicle will take you back to Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower, celebration, and a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 3700m to 1700m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Back in Moshi/Arusha or at the airport for your departure.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear
- Sleeping Bag
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