The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most popular pathways for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. It is favoured for its relative ease of trekking and the availability of hut accommodations that are equipped with bunkbeds, mattresses, and shared facilities. This route is approximately 70 km (43 miles) in total. Omura offers a 5-day climb and a 6-day climb for this route, with the 6-day route including an acclimatization day on day 3.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by an Omura representative who will transfer you to your hotel. There, you will be given time to settle in before a meet and greet with your guides. In this meeting, we will brief you on what to expect on Mount Kilimanjaro and answer any last-minute questions you may have. After the briefing, we recommend an early night for an early pick-up the following day.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel around 8:00 am, and you will be driven to Marangu Gate, approximately 3 hours. After the registration process, we will still start the trek through the Kilimanjaro rainforest. Within the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and monkeys. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy so trekking poles will help. After dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 1,843m (6,046ft) to 2,700m (8,858ft)
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Today we continue through the rainforest, around the base of the Maundi Crater, and then transitions rather rapidly into the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather is clear you will have the opportunity to climb up the Maundi Crater to get your first full view of Kibo Peak. During the trek, you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude. Once at Horombo Hut you will be shown your sleeping quarters and be briefed about the following day by your head guide after dinner.
Elevation: 2,700m (8,858ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
Distance: 11.5km (7 miles)
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest and Low Alpine
Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, we will trek to the Zebra Rocks (4010m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. Spend the afternoon relaxing once we return to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 4,010m (13,156ft)
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine
We continue our trek to Kibo Hut taking the lower-left route as it is the easiest trek to the huts. Once we reach Kibo Hut you will have an early dinner. We recommend resting and sleeping before being awoken at 11 pm to prepare for the summit climb. During dinner, you will be briefed for the following day by your head guide.
Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 4,703m(15,430ft)
Distance: 10km (6 miles)
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and High Alpine
We start the summit climb at midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing slowly but gain incredible height over a short distance and pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m. We will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681m) as the first rays of sunlight begin to show. Here we will take a short break to watch the sunrise over Africa. We continue for another 1-2 hours up to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent back to Kibo Hut for breakfast. After a short rest, you will continue to descend to Horombo Hut for a long well-earned rest.
Elevation: 4,703m(15,430ft) to 5895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,205ft)
Distance: 16km (9.6 miles)
Trekking Time: 13-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Glacial, High Alpine, and Low Alpine
On the final day we continue through the rainforest until we reach Marangu Gate, where we complete park formalities and present you with a certificate confirming you summited Mount Kilimanjaro. We are then met by our vehicles and transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned rest and celebration with your guides.
Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft) to 1,843m (6,046ft)
Distance: 20km (12.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Vegetation Zone: Low Alpine and Rainforest
After breakfast, a vehicle will transfer you to your next destination. If you have additional time we recommend you extend your stay. Omura offers safari packages to see nature at its finest or maybe a relaxing beach trip to Zanzibar.
Marangu Climb (inc. 2 nights hotel stay)
Price Per Person ($USD)
1 Pers
2 Pers
3 Pers
4 Pers
5 Pers
6 Pers
7+ Pers
Marangu Route 5-days
$2,875
$2,410
$2,225
$2,115
$2,120
$2,070
$2,050
Marangu Route 6-days
$3,000
$2,500
$2,430
$2,300
$2,230
$2,170
$2,120
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to lodge (return).
Half-board lodge accommodation 1 night before the Mount Kilimanjaro climb begins and 1 night after the Mount Kilimanjaro climb (this includes meals and taxes as required).
Transfer fees from the lodge to the Mount Kilimanjaro entry gate (day 1) and transfer from the Mount Kilimanjaro exit gate back to the lodge (day 7).
All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees (as required by Tanzanian law).
All salaries for Guides, Chefs, and Porters on the mountain climb.
Equipment costs, including tents (twin share), camping mattresses, dining tent, kitchen tent, chairs, table, and dining utensils.
Private toilet hire (recommended. Public toilets are provided on the mountain, however, they are used by everyone and are your standard camping drop toilets).
Food on the mountain (3 meals per person per day, excluding breakfast on day 1, which is provided by the lodge, and dinner on day 7, which is again provided by the lodge).
Exclusions
International airfare tickets from your origin to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Visa entry requirement fees as required by Tanzanian law (You can apply for a visa at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, however, we suggest getting pre-approval as it is quicker upon arrival).
Travel insurance: Please ensure your insurance covers mountain climbing up to 6,000 meters.
Any pre-medical requirements (including any required Covid tests).
Tips for guides, chefs, and porters. We recommend tipping the guides $20 per day each, the chef $15 per day, and the porters $10 per day; however, please feel free to tip how you see fit.
If you are interested in eating outside of your lodge during your stay in Arusha city, you will be required to cover this cost.
Any spending money. We will stop at several places to give you the opportunity to buy souvenirs.
If you are interested in drinking during your stay, alcohol is an additional cost as is any drink ordered at the lounge bar.
Omura’s Suggested Packing List
Having the correct gear for climbing a mountain is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the overall experience. Proper footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots, provides necessary support and traction on varied terrain, while weather-appropriate clothing protects against the elements, keeping climbers warm and dry. Essential equipment, including a helmet, harness, and climbing ropes, can prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, the right navigation tools and first aid supplies are crucial for responding to unexpected situations in remote environments. Investing in quality gear not only contributes to a successful ascent but also fosters a sense of confidence and preparedness for climbers venturing into challenging landscapes.
