The Coca-Cola Route
6 Days | Hut Accommodation • Moderate Pace
Overview
Marangu is the only route with hut accommodation, making it popular with those who prefer not to camp. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s considered the easiest path, though summit success requires the same preparation as any route.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival – Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Evening briefing and gear check.
- Accommodation:Moshi Hotel
- Meals:Dinner
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Elevation:1,870m → 2,700m
- Distance:8 km
- Hiking Time:4-5 hours
- Habitat:Rainforest
Register at Marangu Gate and begin your ascent through lush rainforest. Look for colobus monkeys. Mandara Hut offers basic dormitory accommodation.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation:Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation:2,700m → 3,720m
- Distance:12 km
- Hiking Time:6-8 hours
- Habitat:Moorland
Leave the forest behind and enter open moorland. Views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks emerge. Horombo Hut is your home for two nights.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation:Horombo Hut
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day with an optional hike to Mawenzi Ridge (4,300m) to aid acclimatization. “Climb high, sleep low.”
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation:Horombo Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation:3,720m → 4,700m
- Distance:10 km
- Hiking Time:5-7 hours
- Habitat:Alpine desert
The landscape becomes barren and rocky. Kibo Hut sits at the base of the final ascent. Rest early—summit night begins at midnight.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation:Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation:4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m
- Distance:15 km
- Hiking Time:12-15 hours
- Habitat:Arctic to moorland
Midnight: Wake up. Tea and biscuits. Begin the final ascent by headlamp.
6:00 AM (approx): Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Sunrise views.
Another 1-2 hours: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m. Congratulations, you’ve made it!
Descent: Back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation:Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Tree-Climbing Lions and Farewell
Morning drive to Lake Manyara National Park. This compact park is perfect for a final morning.
Look for:
- Lions in trees (ask your guide why they climb)
- Flamingos along the shore
- Hippos in the pools
Farewell Ceremony: Your children receive their Official Blue Eagle Junior Ranger Certificate—proof they’re now wildlife protectors for life.
After lunch, transfer to Arusha for departure.
- Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions | Exclusions |
Professional mountain guides | International flights |
Cooks and porters | Tanzania visa |
All park fees & rescue fees | Travel insurance |
Hut accommodation | Tips for crew |
Three meals daily on mountain | Personal gear |
Pulse oximeter monitoring | Alcoholic drinks |
Summit GoPro video |
Price per person
From $4359
Quick Facts
Detail | Information |
Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights on mountain |
Accommodation | Huts (dormitory style) |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Success Rate | 75% |
Price | From $4359 |