Enjoy the Adventure
The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route as you can get a bottle of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original route established to climb Kilimanjaro. It is often billed as one of the easier walking routes – however, according to KINAPA it suffers from the lowest success rate (42%) as too many climbers try to do it in only 5 days and fail because of poor acclimatization. Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the Marangu route uses the same ascent and descent route which means it is less scenic than the other routes.
For climbers who do not wish to camp, then Marangu is the only route that offers dormitory-style hut accommodation. The huts have a communal dining room, simple washrooms and toilets which lower down will be flushable, but as you move higher up the mountain will be “long drop” loos. Although some climbers like the idea of staying in the huts rather than camping you need to remember that on the Marangu route you will be sharing the hut with lots of other climbers in open dormitory accommodation. The hut accommodation also means the Marangu route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.
The Marangu route is a good six day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 5 day ascent along the Marangu route.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
- Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Acclimatization Day At Horombo
- Day 4: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
- Day 5: Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut
- Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate
Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
- Hiking Time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon client’s request.
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal Expenses
- Hiking Gears
- Tips and gratuities to your mountain crew.
