5-Day Cocacola Route Kilimanjaro Climb

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1,830 m (6,000 ft) → 2,740 m (9,000 ft)
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Montane Rainforest

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will meet your certified mountain guide, porters, and support crew. A scenic one-hour drive takes you through Marangu Village, known for its coffee plantations and Chagga culture, to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate.

At the gate, formalities are completed, including park registration and permit issuance. While waiting, observe the lively atmosphere as multiple trekking teams prepare for their ascent.

The trek begins through dense tropical rainforest, characterized by towering trees, hanging moss, ferns, and rich wildlife. Expect sightings of blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The trail can be muddy and slippery, particularly after rainfall, making trekking poles and gaiters highly recommended.

Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2,740 m (9,000 ft) → 3,690 m (12,100 ft)
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Heath & Moorland

After breakfast, continue the ascent as the rainforest gradually thins and gives way to heathland. The landscape opens dramatically, revealing wide views and unique alpine vegetation such as giant lobelias and senecio (groundsels).

The trail climbs steadily but gently, allowing for proper acclimatization. A lunch stop is taken en route with panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s rugged secondary summit.

By late afternoon, arrive at Horombo Hut, a large hut complex set beneath the snow-capped Kibo Summit. The temperature is noticeably cooler here, and altitude effects may begin to be felt. Guides closely monitor each climber’s condition and encourage hydration and a slow pace.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3,690 m (12,100 ft) → 4,695 m (15,400 ft)
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek crosses the Saddle, a vast, arid plateau connecting Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The terrain becomes stark and lunar, with minimal vegetation and increasing exposure to wind and sun.

Lunch is taken along the way while enjoying unobstructed views of the summit route. This day is crucial for acclimatization, and the pace remains slow and steady.

Arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration, and mental preparation for the summit attempt. An early dinner is served, followed by a few hours of sleep before the midnight ascent.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) Horombo Hut

Elevation:
• Kibo Hut: 4,695 m (15,400 ft)
• Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
• Horombo Hut: 3,690 m (12,100 ft)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Summit day begins between 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Equipped with headlamps, warm layers, and determination, the climb proceeds slowly in a zigzag pattern through steep volcanic scree.

After several challenging hours, reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim, where climbers are rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the African plains. Following a short rest, continue along the crater rim for approximately one hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After photos and celebrations at the summit, begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and lunch, then continue downhill to Horombo Hut, where oxygen levels are higher and recovery is easier.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3,690 m (12,100 ft) → 1,830 m (6,000 ft)
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

After breakfast, descend through heathland and rainforest, retracing the route to Mandara Hut for lunch. Continue to Marangu Gate, where you officially sign out of the park and receive your Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Gillman’s Point).

A vehicle transfer returns you to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and well-earned rest after completing one of the world’s most iconic treks.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.