6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Price From

$ 1,720 / Person

Tour 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 that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead 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.

Full Tour Details

Day 1 : Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Elevation: 1,970m to 2,700m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Elevation: (2,700m) to (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Montane forest transitioning to moorland

Day 3 : Horombo Huts - Acclimatization Day

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

Elevation: Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4 : Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Elevation: (3,720m) to (4,703m)
Hiking Time: Not specified
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Habitat: Heathland and alpine desert

Day 5 : Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: Kibo Huts (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 7-8 hours descent
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Habitat: Glacial zone

Day 6 : Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: (3,720m) to (1,830m/6,000ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy
Habitat: Rainforest