5-Day Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

• Elevation: 2,720m -3,720m
• Distance: ~12 km
• Time: 6-8 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

Leaving Mandara Hut, the trail climbs steadily out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. Vegetation changes dramatically, with giant heather, lobelias, and groundsels dominating the landscape. The air becomes cooler and drier, and the views open up to reveal Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks: the jagged Mawenzi and the snow-capped Kibo. The trek is longer today, with steeper sections that test your stamina, but steady pacing helps with altitude adjustment. By late afternoon, you arrive at Horombo Hut, perched on a plateau with panoramic views of both peaks. This larger hut complex offers dormitories, dining halls, and a lively atmosphere as trekkers from different routes converge here. The sunset over Mawenzi’s spires is a highlight of the day.

• • Elevation: 3,720m - 4,700m
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Time: 6-7 hours
  • Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

  On the third day, you leave Horombo Hut and begin the long trek across the “saddle,” a vast, barren plateau stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape here belongs to the alpine desert zone, stark and windswept, with volcanic rock and dust dominating the scenery. Vegetation is sparse, and the wide-open views emphasize the scale of the mountain. The trail is gradual but feels relentless due to the thin air and exposure to wind. Covering about 10 km in 6-7 hours, this stage requires endurance and careful pacing. By late afternoon, you arrive at Kibo Hut, a stone-built shelter at the base of the summit cone. Conditions are basic, with dormitory-style sleeping and very cold nighttime temperatures. Dinner is served early, and trekkers rest immediately, as the summit push begins around midnight.

• Elevation: 4,700m - 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then back to 3,720m
• Distance: ~6 km ascent + ~16 km descent
• Time: 10 - 15 hours total
• Vegetation Zone: Arctic Summit Zone

Summit day is the most demanding and rewarding part of the trek. You wake around midnight and begin the climb under starlight, with headlamps illuminating the steep scree slopes. The air is freezing, often dropping below –10°C, and progress is slow. Guides encourage the mantra “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) to conserve energy and manage altitude. After 5-6 hours of steady climbing, you reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From here, the trail continues along the rim to Stella Point (5,739m) and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Sunrise at the summit is unforgettable, with glaciers glowing pink and golden light spilling across the plains below. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The descent is long and tough on the knees, but trekking poles help ease the strain.

• Elevation: 3,720m -1,970m
• Distance: ~20 km
• Time: 5-7 hours
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland - Rainforest

The final day retraces your steps through the moorland and rainforest zones. The air grows warmer and more humid as you descend, and the lush greenery feels welcoming after the stark summit environment. The trail is easier downhill but long, requiring steady pacing. By early afternoon, you arrive back at Marangu Gate, where you sign out and receive your official summit certificate, green for Gilman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. A vehicle transfer takes you back to your hotel, where a hot shower, a celebratory meal, and well-earned rest await.