Marangu Route this is the most popular route known as the ‘coca-cola route’, Due to their uniqueness is the oldest and one of the most preferable routes. Many agree that, this is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro summit point, given its gradual slope.
Although is the easiest route because no technical skills are required for this five-day trek. It is not as scenic as other routes. However, some prefer this route because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers.
There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. During peak season these huts can be very overloaded so as advance booking of hut accommodation is required to avoid any inconveniences
The Marangu route is usually done in 5 days; we would highly recommend all to add an additional day for better acclimatization.
Arive in Tanzania
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be meet with our representative, picked up there and transfer to hotel in Moshi town. Then you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters)
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Approx. Trekking Time: 7 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure begins after breakfast and a briefing from your guide. You will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters), a journey of about 1 hour. After registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you will start your trek. Day 1 involves a gradual trek through the rainforest, with chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys and enjoy the lush vegetation, including towering eucalyptus trees. Since the path can be wet and muddy, trekking poles are recommended. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut (2,700 meters), you will enjoy dinner and rest.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)
- Distance: 11.5 km / 7 miles
- Approx. Trekking Time: 6 – 8 hours
- Zone: Rainforest/Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On Day 2, you will start your trek after breakfast by 08:30. The route takes you through the rainforest before reaching the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather is clear, there’s an opportunity to scramble up Maundi Crater, where you can get a full view of Kibo, the main summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll also see giant lobelias in the landscape. After approximately 6-8 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720 meters), where you’ll be served dinner and spend the night.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters)
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Approx. Trekking Time: 5 – 7 hours
- Zone: Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 is a long and challenging trek. There are two routes to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters). Most hikers will take the lower route, which is easier and nearly an hour shorter than the upper route. You’ll pass the last water point at 4,130 meters before heading to the vegetation-less plateau that links Kibo with Mawenzi. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Kibo Hut, where you’ll have an early dinner and prepare for the summit push the following day.
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)
- Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
- Approx. Trekking Time: 6-8 hours to summit, 5-8 hours down to Horombo Hut
- Zone: Glacial Zone, High Alpine Zone, Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The summit day begins around midnight. You will start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters). The first part of the climb takes you past Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220 meters and continues gradually upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters), the crater rim. From there, it’s about 1-2 hours more to Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy the spectacular views and celebrate your achievement. Afterward, descend to Kibo Hut for a break and a warm meal. Then, continue the descent to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Marangu Gate (1,870 meters)
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
- Approx. Trekking Time: 6 – 8 hours
- Zone: Low Alpine Zone and Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
On the final trekking day, you will descend from Horombo Hut back to Marangu Gate. The descent takes you through the low alpine zone and back into the lush rainforest. After around 6-8 hours of trekking, you will reach the gate and complete your trek. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your accomplishment.
Day 6: Departure
On this day, depending on your travel plans, a vehicle will transfer you from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure. If you have a safari planned or want to visit the beaches of Zanzibar, arrangements can be made for further travel. If you’re returning home, your transport to the airport will be ready.
