Route Overview

The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

Arrival in Moshi, Kilimanjaro

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for your overnight.
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE (1,800M/5,905FT) TO MANDARA HUT (2,743M/9,000FT)
Elevation Gain: 915 meters, 3,000 feet
Leave Arusha at 8am for Marangu Gate. The drive to Marangu takes approximately 45 minutes, and you will meet our guides, cooks and porters when you arrive at the gate. After completing gate registration, begin your Kilimanjaro trek. Walk along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are stunning on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort.

The A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people and consist of several sleeping huts and a dining area. All of Marangu’s huts have beds with mattresses.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT (2,743M/9,000FT) TO HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet
After breakfast, leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Eat a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.

Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered to be the nicest on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks and guides.

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT) TO MAWENZI HUT (4,600M/15,100FT) TO HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT)
Elevation Gain and Loss: 880 meters, 2,900 feet
Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing at Horombo.
DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT) TO KIBO HUT (4,750M/15,580FT)
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet
Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream. After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle. Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.
DAY 5: KIBO HUT (4,750M/15,580FT) TO SUMMIT (5,895M/19,340FT) TO HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT)
Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters, 3,760 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,175 meters, 7,140 feet
Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters).

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT (3,720M/12,200FT) TO MARANGU GATE (1,800M/5,905FT)
Elevation Loss: 1,920 meters, 6,295 feet
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.
Cost Includes:
  • Transportation to and from your selected route
  • Quality, Waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent
  • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  • Certified, experienced, Professional Mountain guides
  • Government Climbing Taxes, Climbing permits
  • All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
  • Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
  • Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
  • Safety Equipment: Emergency Oxygen, Pulse Ox meter
  • Water provided on climb, mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
  • Emergency rescue fees
Cost Does not Include:
  • International Flights
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips to mountain crew (highly recommended)
  • Bank transfer charges & card payments processing fee.
  • Travel insurance
Customise your own Trekking Experience, and let us handle the Rest!