ITINERARY SUMMARY The route is known as Coca-Cola Route because it is the only route on the mountain which offers sleeping huts and serves beverages like CocaCola on the way. It suitable for novice climbers because the route does not have steep slopes like the other routes.
ITINERARY DETAILS DAY 1: SAFARI TO KILIMANJARO
The National Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, will climb up through attractive and unspoilt forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking]
DAY 2: SAFARI TO KILIMANJARO THROUGH FOREST The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Will climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very spectacular, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking]
DAY 3: SAFARI TO KILIMANJARO THROUGH DESERT SADDLE Will climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to scree and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. Usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]
DAY 4: SAFARI TO KILIMANJARO GILLMAN’S POINT Will start to ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. up to Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic scree, but there are some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. Will rest there and spend some time taking picture of the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking]
DAY 5: SAFARI TO KILIMANJARO RETRACE THROUGH FOREST
Will retrace your steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day. From here you will be driven by car to Arusha/Moshi town
End of the service
Departure
Departure Time
Return Time
Included
Days private Kilimanjaro Climb / Marangu Route
Fullboard during climb including mineral/drinking water
Professional well experienced Kilimanjaro Team with English/German/Spanish/French/Italian speaking Mountain guide, porters and cook
Mountain Hut accommodation (pls bring your own sleeping bag)
Park fees, camping fees, resque fees, flying doctor
All wildlife reserve entry fees, rescue fees, Climbing Certificates and Flying Doctors
