Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek

Safari summary

The 6-day Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro trail with hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a more comfortable climb. This classic route follows a gradual ascent, passing through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes before reaching the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Unlike other trails, you’ll stay in wooden mountain huts with bunk beds, offering a warmer and drier experience compared to tent camping. With an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, this itinerary improves your chances of successfully reaching the summit while allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

This route provides stunning scenery along the way, from the towering trees of Marangu Forest to the Mawenzi volcanic peak and the breathtaking glaciers of Kibo. The well-maintained trail makes it accessible to both beginner and experienced hikers, but the final summit push remains a challenging and rewarding feat. The Marangu Route’s round-trip format (ascending and descending on the same path) offers a unique opportunity to retrace your steps and appreciate the changing landscapes on your descent. With expert guides and well-planned logistics, this trek ensures a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Your adventure begins with arrival in Moshi, the gateway town to Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and meet your experienced trekking guide, who will conduct a detailed briefing about the climb. This includes checking your gear, discussing the route, and answering any last-minute questions. If you need to rent any trekking equipment, this is the perfect time to do so. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals: Full Board
Day 2: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where you’ll complete registration before starting your trek. The hike begins through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various exotic birds. The trail is well-defined, offering a gradual and scenic ascent towards Mandara Hut (2,700m). Upon arrival, you can take a short hike to the Maundi Crater, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. After dinner, enjoy a comfortable night in the wooden huts.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape transitions into heath and moorland, with giant lobelias and senecios dominating the scenery. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner, but the path remains manageable with a moderate incline. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. After a steady trek, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you will spend the night. This hut is much larger and often busy with climbers both ascending and descending the mountain.
Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Horombo Huts
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
Optional Hike: 4,200m to Zebra Rocks
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
To improve acclimatization, you will spend an extra night at Horombo Hut. Today includes an optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,200m), a striking rock formation with black-and-white stripes caused by mineral deposits. This short hike allows your body to adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Horombo Huts
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you into the sparse and rugged alpine desert, where vegetation is minimal, and the landscape is dominated by rocks and volcanic dust. You’ll pass the Saddle, a vast, barren area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, before reaching Kibo Hut (4,703m). The high altitude makes this stretch more demanding, and it’s essential to stay hydrated and move at a steady pace. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and get some rest, as the summit attempt begins at midnight.
Meals: Fullboard
Accommodation:
Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Habitat: Arctic zone (summit), alpine desert (descent)
Summit night begins around midnight, with headlamps lighting the way as you slowly ascend the steep, zigzagging path toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• All drinks
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas