06 DAYS
MARANGU ROUTE – KILIMANJARO
Trekking Duration
06 Days 5 Nights
Group Size
Unlimited
Trip Type
Trekking, Climbing
Route Details
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular and oldest routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its well-defined trail and availability of hut accommodations, it is considered one of the easier paths to the summit. However, its reputation as “easier” should not overshadow the need for proper acclimatization and physical preparation.
This route provides a scenic trek through diverse ecosystems, including lush rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route offering shared hut accommodations, with facilities such as beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas.
Highlights of the Marangu Route
- Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in shared huts with beds and basic facilities.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Pass through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert to the arctic summit zone.
- Iconic Landmarks: Explore Zebra Rocks, Mawenzi Peak views, and the dramatic saddle.
- Relatively Gentle Gradient: Suitable for beginners when proper acclimatization is included.
Trekk Schedule On Day by Day
- Activities: Arrive at your accommodation in Moshi for a briefing and gear check by your guide.
- Altitude: 800m (2,625 ft)
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 1,870m to 2,700m (6,135 ft to 8,860 ft)
- Terrain: Rainforest
- Activities:
- Start at Marangu Gate after registration.
- Hike through dense rainforest teeming with unique flora and fauna.
- Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight stay.
- Overnight: Mandara Hut
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Altitude Gain: 2,700m to 3,720m (8,860 ft to 12,200 ft)
- Terrain: Heath and moorland
- Activities:
- Leave the rainforest and enter the heath and moorland zone.
- Encounter giant lobelias and groundsels.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Activities:
- Optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m/13,125 ft) or other nearby features.
- Rest and hydrate to improve acclimatization.
- Prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Altitude Gain: 3,720m to 4,700m (12,200 ft to 15,420 ft)
- Terrain: Alpine desert
- Activities:
- Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Experience dramatic, barren landscapes.
- Rest and hydrate upon arrival at Kibo Hut in preparation for summit night.
- Overnight: Kibo Hut
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) (Ascend 6 km, descend 9 km)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours (6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-7 hours descent to Horombo)
- Altitude Gain: 4,700m to 5,895m (15,420 ft to 19,341 ft)
- Altitude Loss: 5,895m to 3,720m (19,341 ft to 12,200 ft)
- Terrain: Arctic to alpine desert
- Activities:
- Begin summit attempt at midnight.
- Pass Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,640 ft) and Stella Point (5,756m/18,885 ft).
- Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise.
- Descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Altitude Loss: 3,720m to 1,870m (12,200 ft to 6,135 ft)
- Terrain: Heath, moorland, and rainforest
- Activities:
- Enjoy a scenic descent back to Marangu Gate.
- Collect summit certificates.
- Transfer back to Moshi for celebration and rest.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi