My brutal but beautiful 5-day adventure via the Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route".
I hadn’t originally planned to summit Africa’s tallest peak. I was relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, soaking up the 30°C heat and stunning sunsets. It was beautiful — but honestly, I started getting a little bored.
So I pulled out my phone and searched for other things to do in Tanzania. Safari tours came up first. But then I saw it: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. That was it — the most spontaneous decision I’ve ever made.
Setting: On a bumpy bus ride from Nungwi to Stone Town port.
I checked flights. There was a 3 PM departure to Arusha — available. I booked it right at the airport.
The office had ice-cold air conditioning, so I didn’t mind waiting. Others slowly arrived. I chatted with a guy next to me — turns out, he was the pilot. I asked if I could film Kilimanjaro from the cockpit. He said yes.
That flight gave me some of the most epic aerial footage I’ve ever captured. Once we landed in Arusha, there were no taxis or buses. So I walked to the main road and flagged a local minibus.
While on the bus, a drunk man tried to sell me a trek. I smiled and ignored him. But once I got off — boom. A crowd surrounded me, all pitching Kilimanjaro packages. I told them I’d already done the hike just to get by.
After finally reaching my accommodation, I started digging deeper. Most tours focused on safaris or visiting Maasai villages — but not Kilimanjaro. I decided to head deeper into town the next day.
Turning Point: I randomly bumped into a local operator during lunch. His honesty and passion lit a spark.
That afternoon, I asked around at the guesthouse and did more research. I ended up booking the trek with that same guy I’d just met.
Maybe it was spontaneity. Maybe fate. Either way — that’s how I decided to climb Kilimanjaro.
I chose the Marangu Route for a few simple but important reasons:
(from left) Musa, Me, Ayubu, Tour Provider/Guide
Completely exhausted at Gilman’s Point (5,685 m)
We reached Kibo Hut around noon on Day 3. That’s when the altitude really hit me. A pounding headache set in — classic Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). I had no appetite, but I forced down water all afternoon.
We rested until 11:30 PM, had a light meal, and then began the final summit push under a star-lit sky.
The summit climb was absolutely brutal.
The trail was steep, the gravel loose — every step felt like sliding back two. We zigzagged to save energy, but by 5,200 meters, I hit a wall. I was exhausted. I had to stop often, and even vomited at one point.
Then came a 30-minute rock scramble. My body was on the edge of shutting down.
“Keep moving,” Ayubu warned. “Or the cold will get you.”
His voice cut through my brain fog. I focused only on putting one foot in front of the other. Eventually — somehow — I made it to Gilman’s Point.
But that’s where I stopped. The snow was waist-deep. Uhuru Peak was an hour away. Stella Point? Just 20 minutes.
But I was done. I looked at Ayubu. He didn’t say a word — he didn’t need to. We both knew: this was my finish line.
No regrets.
Reaching Gilman’s Point was a victory. That night pushed me to my absolute physical and mental limits. I didn’t stand on the roof of Africa — but I touched its edge. And that was enough.
Kibo Hut - When you see the sky and clouds below, it feels like you’re in heaven.
There was one moment that made everything — the struggle, the cold, the exhaustion — completely worth it.
I was standing above the clouds, looking down at the entire sky stretched out beneath me. It felt like I was on the edge of the world.
I forgot the aching muscles, the headache, and how hard it had been to get there. All I could think was:
This is what it means to feel alive.
That image is burned into my memory. I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I may never see anything like it again.
And that’s okay. Once was enough to last a lifetime.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience, but it doesn’t come cheap. Whether you’re planning it solo (with a guide, as required) or booking through an agency, here's a breakdown of the essential costs just to get to the mountain and complete the standard 5-day, 4-night trek.
I am going to give you estimate pricing of how much I have paid for 5 days Marangu route and also include what you might pay if you choosing different routes
| Item | Cost | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Fees | $70 per person/day | $70 × 5 days = $350 |
| Rescue Fee | $20 | One-time payment |
Total National Park Fees: $370
| Item | Cost | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Hut Fee (Marangu Route Only) | $60 per night | $60 × 4/5 nights = $240/$350 |
| Camping Fee (All Other Routes) | $50 per night | $50 x 5/6 nights = $250/$300 |
Note:
Total Accommodation Fee: $240 - $350
Subtotal Park Fees: $610
VAT (18%) $109
Total Park Fees: $720
You're not allowed to climb solo. Here's what you'll need to budget:
| Item | Cost | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Guide Salary | $30 per day | $30 × 5 days = $150 |
| Porter Salary | $15–20 per day | 1 Porter - $15 x 5 days = $75 |
| Cook Salary | $15–20 per day | 1 Cook - $15 x 5 days = $75 |
| Guide & Porter Park Entry Fee | $2 per staff member/trip | Typically $2 × 3 staff = $6 |
Note:
Total Crew Cost: $306
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Rental | $150–250 | (if you don’t already own gear) |
| Food | $70–100 | (for the trek — some operators include) |
| Transportation | $50-100 | (round trip: Arusha - Marangu Gate, some operators include) |
Total Additional Expenses: $0 - $350
| Crew Member | Tip per Climber |
|---|---|
| Guide | $60–80 |
| Porter | $30–50 |
| Cook | $30–50 |
Note:
Tips Total: $120–180
Your bank may charge an international transaction fee (usually 1–3%). Always carry some cash (USD) just in case.
Total Cost Examples:
| Route & Duration | Park Fees (incl. VAT) | Tour Operator Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Marangu Route (5-6 days) | 719.80–873.20 | 1,500–2,500 |
| Machame Route (6-7 days) | 814.20–955.80 | 1,700–2,700 |
| Lemosho Route (7-8 days) | 955.80–1,097.40 | 1,900–3,100 |
| Rongai Route (6-7 days) | 814.20–955.80 | 1,800–2,800 |
| Umbwe Route (5-6 days) | 672.60–814.20 | 1,800–2,800 |
| Northern Circuit (9-10 days) | 1,239.10–1,380.60 | 2,600–4,200 |
| Shira Route (7-8 days) | 955.80–1,097.40 | 1,800–2,800 |
Packing right can make or break your summit attempt. Here’s what you must bring:
The Marangu Route — nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” — takes 5 days and 4 nights with overnight stays in mountain huts. It’s considered one of the more comfortable ways to climb Kilimanjaro.
Highlights: Lush forest, waterfalls, Colobus monkeys, optional hike to Maundi Crater.
Highlights: First glimpses of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, transition into alpine landscape.
Tip: Hydrate, eat early, and rest — the summit attempt begins just after midnight!
Total Time: 12–16 hours
Elevation Change: +1,195 m up, -2,175 m down
Highlights: Summit at sunrise, panoramic crater views, personal triumph. Toughest day of the trek.
Bonus: You’ll receive a certificate at the gate — if you reached Gilman’s Point or higher!
| Hut | Altitude | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Mandara Hut | 2,700 m | Small dorms (6–8 beds), basic toilets |
| Horombo Hut | 3,720 m | Larger dorms, water source nearby |
| Kibo Hut | 4,700 m | Cold, stone shelter, no running water |
Kilimanjaro's terrain changes dramatically as you climb. Each zone has its own unique weather, temperature, and challenges. Here's what you’ll walk through on your way to the summit:
| Zone | Terrain | Temp (°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌳 Rainforest | Muddy, shaded | 10–25°C | Humid, warm, frequent rain |
| 🌾 Moorland | Grassy, rocky | 5–15°C | Misty, chance of clear skies |
| 🏜️ Alpine Desert | Dry, dusty, rocky | -5 to 10°C | High UV, sunburn risk |
| ❄️ Arctic (Summit) | Snow, icy scree | -10 to -20°C | Freezing, low oxygen, brutal winds |
Note: Conditions can change rapidly — always layer your clothing and protect against both rain and sun.
Timing your Kilimanjaro trek is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The mountain has two dry seasons — and these are considered the ideal windows for your climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons is possible — but not recommended due to trail conditions and poor visibility.
Not Kilimanjaro — once was enough. But this experience opened me up to other climbs around the world.
It was mentally and physically demanding, yet rewarding beyond measure. You learn a lot about your limits up there — and sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as pushing through.
There’s something powerful about finishing something you weren’t sure you could do. That feeling stays with you.