Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Marangu or the “Coca-Cola” route is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.
The Marangu Route is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well-established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular, despite a wide variety of other options becoming available. This path provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering sweeping views and a wonderful hiking adventure all the way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. That said, it also has some unique aspects that set it apart from any of the other routes as well, giving the Marangu route a character and feeling that is entirely it's own.
One of the more interesting aspects of the Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping, so instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts instead.
These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, which makes this route a popular one for travelers climbing during the rainy season, which comes in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why Marangu route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”
6 – Day Marangu Route
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi.
A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Moshi with no traffic.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut (BLD)
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walkthrough the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
— Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mandara Hut
Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (BLD)
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
— Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 12km/7.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Heathland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (BLD)
Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut
Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (BLD)
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
— Distance: 9km/5.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut (BLD)
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and having an optimistic attitude will get you there!
— Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Moshi (BL)
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport (B)
Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure, or continue for your safari.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price Inclusive
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- 2 nights 3-star hotel in Moshi (upgrades available)
- Round-trip Kilimanjaro Airport transfers (shared)
- National Park gate fees
- Transport from Moshi to trail head and return to Moshi
- Camping fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
- Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
Price Exclusive
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $450-650/person)
- Sleeping bags and personal gear
- $50 for a single tent
- Low season discount in April/May
