Marangu Route – 6 Days
Overview
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the oldest and most established path up Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodation instead of tents, making it popular among climbers seeking a more comfortable experience. Approaching from the southeast, the trail is considered one of the easiest routes, though the rapid ascent makes acclimatization essential. With its gradual slopes, well-maintained paths, and cozy mountain huts, Marangu offers a classic Kilimanjaro climb.
Duration: 6 days (5 days possible but not recommended)
Difficulty: Moderate, with less steep climbing
Scenery: Rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, snow-capped summit
Accommodation: Mountain huts with shared facilities
Day 1: Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
Daily Elevations & Distance: 1,860 m → 2,700 m | 8 km / 4–5 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Rainforest; ferns, moss, giant fig trees
Temperature Ranges: 15–20°C daytime, 10°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Lunch & Dinner | Overnight at Mandara Hut
Activities & Highlights: Registration at Marangu Gate, trek through dense rainforest, spot blue monkeys and exotic birds.
Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
Daily Elevations & Distance: 2,700 m → 3,720 m | 12 km / 6–8 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Heath and moorland; giant heathers, lobelias
Temperature Ranges: 10–15°C daytime, 0–5°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Horombo Hut
Activities & Highlights: Leave the forest behind, enjoy open moorland landscapes, panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Day 3: Horombo Hut Acclimatization
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,720 m → 4,000 m optional | 5 km / 3–4 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Moorland; volcanic rock and heathers
Temperature Ranges: 5–10°C daytime, below 0°C at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Horombo Hut
Activities & Highlights: Acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge, then return to Horombo for overnight.
Day 4: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,720 m → 4,703 m | 10 km / 6–7 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert; barren volcanic terrain
Temperature Ranges: 0–10°C daytime, below freezing at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Kibo Hut
Activities & Highlights: Gradual climb across the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, spectacular views of both peaks.
Day 5: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m | 16 km / 12–15 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Arctic summit zone → Moorland at descent
Temperature Ranges: -7°C to -20°C at summit
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Horombo Hut
Activities & Highlights: Midnight departure for summit attempt via Gilman’s Point, reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, celebrate before descending.
Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,720 m → 1,860 m | 20 km / 5–7 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Moorland back into lush rainforest
Temperature Ranges: 15–25°C daytime
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast & Lunch | Transfer to hotel
Activities & Highlights: Final descent, receive your official summit certificate, return to Moshi/Arusha for relaxation.
✅ Inclusions (What’s Included)
All park fees, camping/hut fees, and government taxes
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
Rescue fees (as required by Kilimanjaro National Park)
Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi/Arusha)
All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Drinking water (treated and safe)
Accommodation before and after the climb (standard hotel, double occupancy)
Camping equipment (tents, chairs, tables, mattresses) – except personal sleeping bags
Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter & first aid kit for emergencies
Hot water for washing daily
Transport to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
❌ Exclusions (What’s Not Included)
International flights & visas
Travel insurance & medical evacuation coverage
Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing, boots, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (highly recommended)
Alcoholic & soft drinks at hotels and on the mountain
Extra nights in hotels due to early arrival, late departure, or early mountain exit
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, internet, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities before/after the climb (safaris, cultural tours, Zanzibar extensions)
Marangu Route
