Cushy Adventures

About This Event

Summit Africa's highest peak at 5,895m via the iconic Marangu Route—the only Kilimanjaro trail featuring comfortable hut accommodation. Journey through five distinct climate zones from rainforest to arctic conditions, with a 92% summit success rate for this classic 71km expedition.

The Marangu Route, famously known as the Coca-Cola Route, is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trekking path. This 7-day adventure combines comfort and challenge, offering hut accommodations instead of camping and guiding climbers through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Your journey begins with arrival in Tanzania, where you’ll meet your guide and transfer to Keys Hotel in Moshi for a trek briefing and gear check. On day two, the climb starts at Marangu Gate (1,980m), ascending through lush rainforest alive with Colobus monkeys to Mandara Hut (2,700m). Day three continues upward through heather moorland, passing the scenic Maundi Crater before reaching Horombo Hut (3,720m). The fourth day crosses the stark alpine desert and the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, ending at Kibo Hut (4,700m) for an early dinner and rest before the summit push. Day five is the most demanding, beginning around midnight with a steep ascent to Gillman’s Point (5,685m), then continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. After celebrating at Africa’s highest point, trekkers descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest. On day six, the descent continues through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate, where summit certificates await before returning to Moshi for a celebration dinner. The adventure concludes on day seven with departure after breakfast. Throughout the trek, climbers enjoy freshly prepared meals—soups, salads, casseroles, fruits, desserts, and hot drinks—with dietary preferences accommodated by Cushy Adventures. With comfortable huts, professional guides, and breathtaking scenery, the Marangu Route is ideal for novice high‑altitude trekkers seeking both challenge and comfort on their way to the Roof of Africa.

Distance

64 km (total round trip)

Duration

5 Days Nights

Max Elevation

5,895m ASL (Uhuru Peak)

Elevation Gain

3,915m (from Marangu Gate1,980m)

Event Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Drive to Moshi
Arrive in Tanzania, meet your guide
Transfer to Keys Hotel in Moshi
Trek briefing and gear check

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,980m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Elevation Gain: 720m
Distance: 8km | Duration: 4-5 hours
Hike through rainforest, spot Colobus monkeys
Overnight at Mandara Huts

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation Gain: 1,020m
Distance: 12km | Duration: 6-8 hours
Ascend through heather moorland, pass Maundi Crater
Overnight at Horombo Huts

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Elevation Gain: 980m
Distance: 10km | Duration: 6-8 hours
Cross alpine desert and saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
Early dinner, rest for summit attempt
Overnight at Kibo Hut

Day 5: Summit Attempt - Kibo Hut (4,700m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation Gain: 1,195m | Descent: 2,175m
Distance: 21km | Duration: 12-15 hours
Begin around 23:30, reach Gillman's Point (5,685m), continue to Uhuru Peak
Celebrate at summit, descend to Horombo Hut
Overnight at Horombo Huts

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Marangu Gate (1,980m)
Descent: 1,740m
Distance: 20km | Duration: 5-7 hours
Descend through moorland and rainforest
Receive summit certificates at gate, drive to Moshi
Celebration dinner, overnight at Keys Hotel

Day 7: Departure
Transfer to departure point after breakfast

What's Included

Transport to/from Moshi
Accommodation in Moshi (Keys Hotel)
All park entrance and camping fees
Mountain rescue fees
All meals on mountain
Hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
Professional guides, porters, and cooks
First aid kit and oximeter
English-speaking guide
All taxes

COST EXCLUSIVE:
Hotel extras and non-water drinks
Tips for guides/porters/cooks
Meals in Moshi
Personal hiking gear
International/domestic flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees

What to Wear

Layered clothing suitable for cold mountain conditions. Waterproof jacket and trousers. Sturdy hiking boots. Warm hat and gloves. Comfortable trekking attire for daytime hikes.
NB. Check out Detailed Mt. Kilimanjaro Checklist

What to Carry

Head Gear:
Brimmed hat (sun protection)
Knit hat (warmth)
Balaclava or buff (optional)

Baggage & Sleeping:
4-season sleeping bag (warm)
Sleeping mat (usually provided)
Duffle bag 50-90L (for porters, max 15kg)
Waterproof daypack 30-35L with rain cover
Kit storage bag for hotel

Footwear:
Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
Camp shoes or sandals (optional)
5 pairs hiking socks (wool/synthetic)
Thick wool socks for nights (optional)
Gaiters (optional)
Hand/foot warmers (optional)

Hardware:
Warm waterproof gloves/mittens
Thin windproof gloves
Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses with UV filter or ski goggles
2x 1L water bottles or 3L hydration bladder
Pee bottle 1.5L (optional, for night)

Technical Clothing:
2 long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts
1 short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt
Fleece top for camp
Soft shell or softshell jacket
Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
Down/insulated jacket
Thermal base layer/long johns
3 sport bras (women)
Lightweight poncho
Waterproof breathable pants (side zipper recommended)
Hiking pants
Fleece pants for camp
Shorts (optional)
Moisture-wicking underwear

Hygiene & Toiletries:
Toilet paper
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Washcloth
Soap
Quick-dry travel towel
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Insect repellent
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
First aid kit (zinc oxide tape, scissors, blister pads)
Prescriptions & personal medication
Pain killers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
Diamox/acetazolamide (for altitude)
Anti-malaria tablets
Loperamide/Immodium
Dioralyte rehydration sachets
Throat lozenges
Snacks (lightweight, high-calorie, optional)
Electrolyte powder/tablets (optional)

Electronics (Optional):
Camera with extra batteries
Portable solar chargers
Power banks
Mobile phone (unlocked)
Kindle/tablet
Device with alarm

Paperwork:
Valid passport
Debit/credit card (for emergencies)
Travel insurance documents
Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever if applicable)
Cash for tips and personal items
Emergency contacts
NOTE: Porter weight limit is 15kg (35 lbs) for duffle bag. You carry your own daypack.

Preparation Guidelines

Train with regular hikes and cardio exercises to build stamina.
Acclimatize by spending time at higher altitudes before the trek if possible.
Ensure you have proper gear and clothing for mountain conditions.
Inform Cushy Adventures of any dietary preferences in advance. Stay hydrated and pace yourself during the trek.

Trail Information

Gradual rainforest trails; moorland paths; rocky alpine desert; steep scree to summit; same route up and down

Book This Event

Pricing Options

Category	By Bus	Self Drive
Kenyan & EAC Citizen	KES 91,000	-
Non-Resident Foreigners	$1,950.00	-

Secure payment - Free cancellation - 24/7 support

Location & Meeting Point

Marangu Gate, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Marangu Gate, Marangu, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, Marangu / Moshi (1 hour away), Tanzania

Meeting Point

Nairobi CBD, International House

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Event Organizers