Well known as the “Coca-Cola” route. As the only route that has the luxury of sleeping huts along the way, the Marangu route is popular among those who want a bit more comfort while undertaking this classic trek. It has a gentle slope for the first several days, before the tough summit attempt from Kibo Hut. Regarded as the least difficult of routes, Marangu is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Details by Day

Day 1: Climb to Mandara Hut Camp [3-5 hours walking]

After completing the entrance formalities at the National Park gate (1,830 m.) we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest around you. Camp at Mandara Hut [3-5 hours walking]

Day 2: Climb to Horombo Hut (3,720 m.) [4-6 hours walking]

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. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach the hut complex at Horombo (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: Climb to Mawenzi Peak and Horombo Hut [4-5 hours walking]

The day is spent making an excursion towards the base of the seldom visited Mawenzi peak, which affords excellent views of Kibo and our route up to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Mawenzi is an older volcano than Kibo and so has eroded further into a very jagged ridge with dramatic pinnacles. The landscape feels more alpine and there is a greater sense of peacefulness than in other locations on this route. We spend a second night at Horombo Hut to further improve our acclimatization. [4-5 hours walking]

Day 4: Climb up to Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) [4-6 hours]

We 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. We 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! [4-6 hours]

Day 5: Climb up to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.)

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at 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. We will rest there and spend some time taking in 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 we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking]

Day 6: Retrace to Mandara Hut and Then a walk to Marangu National Park gates

We retrace our 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, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is. [5-6 hours walking]

Safari 3 Days

During our 3 Days Safari to Tarangire National park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park, you will enjoy seeing the crater walls that provide a natural sanctuary for plenty of animals. The only animal that you are unlikely to see in the crater is the giraffe due to its long legs that are unable to cope with the steep sides of the crater. With our pop-up roofed Land Cruisers, you will have unobstructed and up-close game-viewing.

Safari Details by Day

Day 1:Arusha to Tarangire National park

Today we drive to Tarangire National Park, for excellent game viewing. Tarangire is a small park that offers some excellent sights. Generally in the dry seasons, Tarangire comes alive as wildlife and birdlife congregate on the Tarangire River, which is a permanent source of water. We spend the night in our lodge beautifully set inside the park with stunning views and a unique atmosphere.

Day 2: Tarangire to Ngorongoro crater

We start the day with an early morning game drive before heading to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro is a special place in that it is a Conservation Area, not a National Park; this means that the whole area is managed for both the animals and the local Masai people who graze their cattle alongside the indigenous wildlife. During the drive-in Ngorongoro we have a chance to glimpse something of the Masai way of life. After stopping at the entrance gate, where there is a chance to learn more about this fascinating volcanic landscape, we will drive around the rim of the Crater itself, and from here we can look down and see the herd of wildebeest or buffalos. Finally, we descend into the crater. The crater walls provide a natural sanctuary for the animals, which means there is plenty to see: lions, elephants, buffalo, rhino, and leopard (if you are lucky). The only animal you won’t see here is a giraffe, whose long legs are unable to cope with the steeps sides of the crater. In the late afternoon, we make a short journey from the crater to our permanent tented camp.

Day 3: Ngorongoro crater to Lake Manyara National Park

Today we drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a full day of game drives. This is one of Tanzania’s smaller parks but still offers a rewarding and diverse safari experience. The lakeshore at Manyara teems with birdlife, and while you are looking for the birds, you might spot one of the elusive tree-climbing lions. There are a surprising number of other large mammals and the striking cliffs on the Rift escarpment form a dramatic backdrop. In the late afternoon, we make a short journey from the park to our permanent tented camp. Or buck to Arusha town to overnight or straight to the airport to catch your flight back home