Overview

Reputed to be the easiest of the available route, it is without doubt the most comfortable in terms of facilities and the most convenient in terms of access.  Also known as the “Coca Cola Route” because of the practicality, it is by far the most popular route to many climbers. This popularity has led to some operators preferring to avoid it due to its non-exclusivity in the National Park Huts; also, the overcrowding of the path. However, because of the lack of camping equipment required and therefore lower porter-age costs, therefore it remains popular with budget travellers.

Day 1- Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Tanzania.

You should aim to arrive as early as possible the day before the trek. Once you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met outside customs area by a driver guide and your head mountain guide holding a sign board written clearly your booking name. You will be picked up from the airport and taken on a 50-minute transfer to the hotel in Arusha. You will have a briefing in the evening with our mount guide to prepare you for the journey ahead.

Day 2 – Mandara Hut

After early breakfast you will have Kilimanjaro briefing and checking your mountain equipment before collected from the lodge and transferred to Marangu gate. The actual hike begins at the Marangu Gate (1800 m). Hike 3 to 5 hours through a fascinating rain forest to Mandara Hut (2700 m). Blue monkeys are sometimes seen. Look for a tiny flower called Impatiens Kilimanjaris; endemic to Kilimanjaro. Hot lunch en-route. If you wish you can hike up to Maundi Crater (45 min) or rest upon arrival at Mandara Hut. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at MANDARA HUT (BLD)

Weather: warm and humid. Wear T-shirt, shorts and lighter shoes.

Water: available the whole time from a river along the route.

Day 3 – Horombo Hut

After breakfast start hiking slowly to Horombo Hut (3700 m). Leave the last glade of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Today’s hike takes 5 to 7 hours. Hot lunch en route. The altitude begins to make itself felt cautioning you to walk slowly. “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and long view. Giant Senecios stands tall along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at HOROMBO HUT, (BLD)

Weather: warm in the morning but cooler in the afternoon when clouds gather.

Wear shorts, T-shirt and hiking boots. Carry a long-sleeved shirt in the day path

for the cool winds.

Water: fill water bottles at Mandara Hut. There is a stream half way to Horombo

Hut.

Day 4 –Horombo Hut

An extra day at Horombo to acclimatize to the higher altitude but for 5 days climb on this day you will trek to Kibo Hut. Spend a day walk to “Zebra Rock”, rocks striped by weather. If you are feeling very fatigue, it can be spent resting or exploring the nearby region. Birdlife is abundant at Horombo. The rains come upon afternoon. So, plan your day hike to be back inside the hut with a cup of tea and good book by 4 p.m. Most climbers begin to feel the altitude at this level. After the rain clears, Horombo typically has beautiful sunsets and a night sky full of stars. All meals and overnight at HOROMBO HUT (BLD)

Day 5 – Kibo Hut

Hike slowly (6 hours) to Kibo Hut. Today leave moorland and enter the alpine desert past giant lobelia and walk on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Hot lunch along the way. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight atKIBO HUT, (BLD)

Weather: It is cooler as the altitude has increased. Wear trousers and longsleevedshirt. Thin jacket or jumper in the day pack.

Water: fill up bottles at Horombo Hut. 2 hours from Horombo Hut is the lastwatersign. The porters will bring water for tea and the hike in the early morning.

Day 6 – Final ascent to Uhuru Peak then descends to Horombo Hut

Start around 23:00 reaching Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Descend to Kibo Hut for hot lunch then to Horombo Hut. Meals and overnight at HOROMBOHUT, (BLD)

Weather: cold effects of high altitude is felt. Wear as advised by the guide.

Water: the porters have carried extra water to Kibo. Ask them and they will fill

your bottles.

Day 7 – Hotel in Arusha

You will hike back to the Marangu gate and park’s headquarters. At Marangu, gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Meet by a driver guide with packed lunch and drive back to your hotel in Arusha. It is a welcome treat to sleep in a bed, take a hot shower and celebrate.

Day 8 – Departure.

End of Kilimanjaro climb services.

Kilimanjaro Package includes:

Kilimanjaro Package does not include: