Marangu Route
The classic "Coca-Cola" route to the summit of Kilimanjaro with comfortable hut accommodations
Marangu Route Overview
Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest route on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended.
Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut (because only Horombo Hut is used on descent). 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. Also available for consumption are soft drinks, bottled water, and beer.
The Marangu route is a classic trek to the top of Kilimanjaro. However, it has the least scenic variety of all routes (ascent and descent are done on the same path) and is the most crowded for that reason.
Route Highlights
- Hut Accommodation
Sleep in mountain huts instead of tents
- Duration
5-6 days (6 days recommended)
- Difficulty
Moderate (considered the easiest route)
- Success Rate
Lower with 5 days, higher with 6 days
- Traffic
High - most popular route
A-frame huts on the Marangu Route
Marangu Route Map
Aerial view of Mount Kilimanjaro showing all climbing routes, with Marangu Route highlighted on the right side
6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Our recommended itinerary with an acclimatization day
Arrival Day in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro to Moshi (45 km./27 mi.) 50-minute drive
Elevation: 810 m. (2,624 ft.)
We will meet you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transport you to Moshi, directly to the Hotel, where you will spend the night. The following morning, our mountain crew will check your gear, prepare you for the climb, and answer any questions you have. You may leave a bag behind at the hotel in a secure office until your return.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
At 8:45 a.m. our representative will take you from your hotel to Marangu Gate (55 km./43 mi.) where your permit for trekking will be issued. The permit process will take approximately one hour and then you will start trekking.
The route begins at the National Park Marangu Gate and then travels through the natural rain forest where you likely will see Colobus monkeys. You then will arrive at the first hut, called Mandara, where you will spend the night.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast at the dining hut, your chief guide will walk you through the border of the forest where you again may see white and black Colobus monkeys in the large trees. You also may enjoy the flora and views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
A packed lunch will be served for you at the halfway point to Horombo Hut. Finally, dinner and overnight will be taken at Horombo Hut.
Acclimatization Day
Side trip: Horombo Hut to Zebra Rock (4,000 m./ 1 hr.) then to Mawenzi Hut (4,600 m./2 hrs.)
During the course of this day you will gain more than 800 m. in altitude by walking for approximately three hours to Mawenzi Hut (4,600 m.). After about one hour you will pass Zebra Rock, which is among the miracles of the mountain. Then you will continue walking up to Mawenzi Hut.
Thereafter you will return to Horombo Hut to sleep at low altitude. As the saying goes, "Go high altitude; sleep low altitude."
Summit Day: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, then to Summit
After breakfast you will start your journey to Kibo Hut, passing the semi-desert landscape of the Saddle. You will take lunch in the Saddle. You also will see the last water area and then continue to Kibo Hut, where you will rest and prepare for your trek to the summit.
At 11 p.m. to midnight, you will leave most of your belongings at Kibo Hut and begin your climb to the summit, where you will have a spectacular view of the sunrise and the Mawenzi Peak. You will pass Gillman's Point (5,685 m.) and Stella Point (5,700 m.) on your way to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m.), the highest point in Africa.
Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut
After reaching the summit, you immediately will return to Kibo Hut. There, you will take a meal and a short rest. You then will pack all your belongings and continue your descent down to Horombo Hut, for approximately three hours.
You will take dinner and spend the night at Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast you will go down to Mandara Hut for lunch and then continue to the Marangu Gate where you will meet our representative who will drive you to the Zebra Hotel.
Note: A Five-Day Marangu Route Itinerary also is available, but you will have no acclimatization day.
Package Details
Included in this Package
- •2 transfers between Moshi and Marangu Gate
- •3 meals per day while trekking, either vegetarian or non-vegetarian
- •6 days' Kilimanjaro trek on the Marangu Route
- •5 nights' accommodation in huts while trekking Marangu
- •First and last night bed-and-breakfast accommodations at Zebra Hotel or equivalent
- •All park entrance fees and government levies
Not Included in this Package
- •Personal mountain gear
- •Meals outside the regular itinerary
- •Tips for guide and porters
- •Airfares and airport taxes
- •Double room supplement for hotel
- •International visas for Tanzania
- •Medical/evacuation trip insurance
Note that personal gear may be rented at a reasonable price.
Health Information
Most able-bodied persons aged 10 and older can hike Mt. Kilimanjaro; however, preparation, precaution and care must be made to ensure everyone's safety.
Pricing (USD per person)
| Group Size | 5 Days 4 Nights | 6 Days 5 Nights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,100 | $2,495 |
| 2 People | $1,580 | $1,675 |
| 3 People | $1,480 | $1,545 |
| 4+ People | $1,395 | $1,465 |
Popular route with overnight stays in huts and meals in dining halls. The only route with the same ascent and descent path, often called the "Coca-Cola Route."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Marangu Route really easier?
While Marangu is often called the "easiest" route due to its gradual slope and hut accommodations, the summit success rate is actually lower than some other routes. This is primarily because many climbers choose the 5-day option without proper acclimatization. We strongly recommend the 6-day itinerary to increase your chances of reaching the summit.
What are the huts like?
The huts on Marangu route are basic dormitory-style accommodations with bunk beds. Lower huts (Mandara and Horombo) have running water and flush toilets, while Kibo Hut has more basic facilities. All huts have communal dining areas. You'll need to bring your own sleeping bag, but mattresses and pillows are provided.
When is the best time to climb?
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. While climbing during the rainy seasons (April, May, November) is possible, trail conditions can be muddy and slippery, and cloud cover may obscure views.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be in good physical condition and able to hike for 5-7 hours per day with a daypack. Regular cardio exercise for several months before your climb will help prepare you. The biggest challenge is usually altitude, not fitness, which is why proper acclimatization is crucial.
Ready to Conquer Kilimanjaro?
Let us guide you on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Roof of Africa via the historic Marangu Route.
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