Climbing Kilimanjaro along the "coca-cola route" in just 5 days.
Just to be clear, practical first: it's a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time to acclimatize, so it usually has a lower summit success rate than the multi-day routes. It is especially the night at the top of Kibo Hut, and it passes along Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak, which is so steep. This is also the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic, or in other words it's just going back and forth along the same route.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met and transferred for overnight stay at Hotel B&B.
Your main guide will meet you for the briefing. Also for the equipment check and arranging that you certainly have all the equipment you need and/or can rent from us if necessary.
DAY 1: MARANGU PORT – MANDARA HOUSES: 7km | 4-5 hours | through the rainforest
Altitude: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft
Departing from Moshi, it is a 45-minute drive through Machame village to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. There we wait patiently for our permits to be issued as we watch the bustle of operations of the many crews preparing for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windswept trails as your guide tells you about the local flora and natural fauna. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here (you can rent these).
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT – HOROMB HUT: 11km | 6-8 hours | through moors
Altitude: 2740 m/9000 ft to 3690 m/12,100 ft
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rainforest and continue an ascending path, through moorland, in search of giant lobelias and ragwort. We continue to more open moorland where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Halfway through we will stop for lunch and to enjoy fantastic views of Mawenzi. Only late in the afternoon we arrive at the Horombo Huts, below the spectacular viewpoint Kibo Summit. Temperatures are now starting to drop.
DAY 3: HOROMBO HOUSES - KIBO HOUSES: 10km | 6-8 hours | through semi desert
Altitude: 3690 m/12,100 ft to 4695 m/15,400 ft
After breakfast we continue through the dwindling moorland which turns into a lunar landscape as you enter the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, while we stop for lunch, and later as you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can watch the ascent of Kibo to the summit, which you will begin on your own in just a few hours.
DAY 4: KIBO HOUSES – TOP: 4km up | 5-7 hours
HOROMBO HOUSES: 14km down | 5-6 hours | by snow-covered glaciers
Altitude: 4695 m/15,400 ft to 5895 m/19,340 ft
Descent to 3690 m/12,100 ft
Excitement builds as the morning kicks in with an early start between midnight and 2am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.
We continue our way to the top in a twisting formation by trying to stay warm and focus on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a hairpin turn we ascend through heavy rubble and possible snow to Gillmans Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise during the short rest at this place. Faster hikers may be able to watch the sunrise from the top. From here on the remaining 1 hour climb to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow the entire way.
Congratulations! Step by step you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a moment to enjoy this incredible achievement.
We begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp and stop at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. The well-deserved rest awaits you, to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka camp.
DAY 5: HOROMBO HOUSES – MARANGU PORT – MOSHI: 18km |6-7hrs | through rainforest
Altitude: 3690 m/12,100 to 1830 m/6000 ft
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye.
We continue the descent down and stop at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Also don't forget to tip your guides, cooks and porters as you will be leaving them here. You will return to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates.
As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep, we (again) recommend Gaiters and walking sticks.
From the gate, our JADORE SAFARIS taxi will already meet you to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoying a long awaited hot shower, lavish dinner and celebrating your personal victory...
| 5 days Marangu | Price in US dollar |
|---|---|
| USD 1600 |
INCLUDED IN THIS TREKKING PACKAGE:
- Kilimanjaro trekking as per the itinerary
- Professional, English speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified guide
- Correct ration of mountain crew (cook and porters)
- Before and after stay (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and full board meals
- All national park and camping fees, crew permits and VAT
- Rescue costs and coverage for emergency evacuation with AMREF
- Port transfers
- Free oxygen cylinder
- Quality imported equipment
NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TREKKING PACKAGE:
- To flee
- Visa costs
- Tips for porters and mountain crews
- Personal pocket money for souvenirs, etc.
- Energy foods and drinks, alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal rental equipment such as walking sticks, sleeping bags, etc.
