8 Days | 7 Nights

Marangu (Coca-cola Route)

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha (1,400m). After check-in and some rest, you’ll meet your professional mountain guide for a detailed pre-climb briefing and gear check.

This is an opportunity to ask last-minute questions, review the route, and ensure you have all necessary equipment. Overnight at a comfortable lodge or hotel. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead. If time allows, explore Arusha town or relax with views of Mount Meru.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
  • Activity: Briefing and relaxation
  • Altitude Gain: —
  • What to see: Mount Meru views, bustling Arusha city.
LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha

You’ll drive to Marangu Gate (1,870m) after breakfast (about 3 hours). After park registration, the trek begins through lush rainforest. Expect a shaded path with moss-covered trees, chirping birds, and possibly colobus monkeys.

After about 8km (5 miles) and 4–5 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mandara Hut (2,700m). In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Kenya and the forest canopy.

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Walking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: Mandara Hut
  • Altitude Gain: +830m
  • What to see: Rainforest, monkeys, birds, Maundi Crater
PUBLIC CAMPS
Mandara Hut

After breakfast, continue through moorland terrain, where giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the landscape. The trail ascends gradually, offering views of Mawenzi Peak and glimpses of Kibo. This stretch covers 11 km and takes 6–8 hours depending on your pace. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) where you’ll rest, enjoy dinner, and adjust to the thinning air. Distance: 11 km

  • Walking Time: 6–8 hours
  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Altitude Gain: +1,020m
  • What to see: Moorland vegetation, Mawenzi & Kibo peaks, open skies
PUBLIC CAMPS
Horombo Hut

This day is essential for acclimatization. You’ll take a short acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m), named for its striped lava formations. The round trip is 5 km, taking about 3–4 hours. After returning to Horombo, spend the afternoon resting. This hike helps your body adjust, increasing your summit success rate. Enjoy views of both Mawenzi and Kibo, and perhaps spot alpine flowers like everlasting.

  • Distance: 5 km (round trip)
  • Walking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Altitude Gain: +280m (then back down)
  • What to see: Zebra Rocks, alpine desert, Mawenzi Peak
PUBLIC CAMPS
Horombo Hut

Today, you’ll hike across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The environment shifts to alpine desert—windy, dry, and barren. This 9 km stretch takes 5–6 hours, gradually climbing to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Hydration is critical today. You’ll arrive early to eat, rest, and prepare for your midnight summit attempt. The summit route will be reviewed and gear packed.

  • Distance: 9 km
  • Walking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Accommodation: Kibo Hut
  • Altitude Gain: +980m
  • What to see: Alpine desert, lava ridges, Mawenzi & Kibo
PUBLIC CAMPS
Kibo Hut

Begin the summit attempt around midnight. The path is steep and rocky, passing Hans Meyer Cave and reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) by sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrations and photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue to Horombo Hut. This challenging day covers 21 km total over 12–14 hours.

  • Distance: 21 km
  • Walking Time: 12–14 hours
  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Altitude Gain/Loss: +1,195m / -2,175m
  • What to see: Sunrise at Uhuru, glaciers, crater rim
PUBLIC CAMPS
Horombo Hut

After breakfast, descend through heath and rainforest zones to Mandara Hut, then continue to Marangu Gate (1,870m). Total descent is 19 km, taking 6–7 hours. Receive your summit certificate and celebrate with your team. Your driver will transfer you back to Arusha for a relaxing evening and warm shower.

  • Distance: 19 km
  • Walking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
  • Altitude Loss: -1,850m
  • What to see: Rainforest, monkeys, village views
LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Arusha. Depending on your flight time, you may explore local markets, take a short walk, or simply relax at the lodge. Later, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. Your Kilimanjaro adventure ends, but the memories of the Roof of Africa stay with you forever.

  • Activity: Transfer to airport
  • Accommodation: —
  • What to see: Arusha town, Mt. Meru (weather permitting)

Price Per Person

Low Season (April, May & November)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000

High Season (Rest of the Year)

Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing

GS PP
2
USD 5000
3
USD 5000
4
USD 5000
5
USD 5000
6
USD 5000
  • Transport as described in the itinerary

  • Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary

  • All National Park and Conservancy fees

  • Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)

  • All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners

  • Bottled drinking water during game drives

  • Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover

  • Entry Visas
  • Airport transfers
  • Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single Room Supplements.
  • Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
  • Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
  • Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
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