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.
African Scenery offers Marangu as five or six day private climb. The five day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
Altitude profile
From Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) and back down.
6-day itinerary
Hiking times are a guide; your guide sets the pace for safe acclimatisation.
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Day 1Marangu Gate Mandara Hut
- Elevation
- 6,046 ft → 8,858 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 8 km | 5 miles
- Habitat
- Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
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Day 2Mandara Hut Horombo Hut
- Elevation
- 8,858 ft → 12,205 ft
- Hiking time
- 6-8 hours
- Distance
- 12 km | 7 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
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Day 3Horombo Hut Mawenzi Ridge Horombo Hut
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft → 14,400 ft
- Hiking time
- 2-3 hours
- Distance
- 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
- Elevation
- 14,400 ft → 12,205 ft
- Hiking time
- 1-2 hours
- Distance
- 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
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Day 4Horombo Hut Kibo Hut
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft → 15,430 ft
- Hiking time
- 6-8 hours
- Distance
- 10 km | 6 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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Day 5Kibo Hut Uhuru Peak Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation
- 15,430 ft → 19,341 ft
- Hiking time
- 6-8 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft → 12,250 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 16 km | 10 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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Day 6Horombo Hut Marangu Gate
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft → 6,046 ft
- Hiking time
- 5-7 hours
- Distance
- 20 km | 12 miles
- Habitat
- Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
What's included
Flights, tips and personal gear are not included.
- Certified mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut and rescue fees
- Quality tents, sleeping mats, mess tent and private toilet tent
- Three hot meals a day and treated drinking water on the mountain
- Transfers between your hotel and the park gate
- Daily health checks with pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
