Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator
Kilimanjaro via Marangu
The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro's oldest and most established trail. Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," it is the only route offering comfortable mountain huts instead of camping. Passing through lush rainforest, heathland and alpine desert, it provides a gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak. This 5-day itinerary is best suited to experienced hikers with excellent fitness who are confident trekking at altitude with limited acclimatization.
HOME → Climbing Kilimanjaro → Kilimanjaro via Marangu 5 days
1. QUICK FACTS
START POINT
Marangu Gate
1,870 meter
END POINT
Arusha or Moshi
HIGHEST POINT
Uhuru Peak
5,895 meter
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
ACCOMMODATION
Mountain Huts
SUCCESS RATE
80 - 85 %
2. ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Marangu Route follows Kilimanjaro's oldest and most established trail, leading hikers through lush rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and finally to the glaciers of Uhuru Peak.
As the only route with comfortable mountain huts instead of camping, it offers a classic trekking experience and is ideal for climbers who prefer extra comfort on the mountain.
3. WHY CHOOSE THIS ROUTE?
Lush rainforest, unique flora & fauna
SCENIC & BEAUTIFUL
EXCELLENT ACCLIMATIZATION
Gradual ascent for better acclimatization
MOUNTAIN HUTS
Sleep in huts instead of tents
CLASSIC
Kilimanjaro's oldest route
4. DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Start Point: Marangu Gate (1,870 m)
End Point: Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
After a transfer from Moshi or Arusha, your adventure begins at Marangu Gate. Following registration, the trail winds through lush rainforest filled with towering trees, colourful birdlife and playful blue and colobus monkeys. As the path gradually climbs, the mountain atmosphere begins to unfold. By late afternoon, you arrive at Mandara Hut, where your mountain crew welcomes you to your first night on Kilimanjaro.
Start Point: Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
End Point: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Habitat: Heat & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Leaving the rainforest behind, today's trail enters the open heath and moorland zone. Giant lobelias and groundsels begin to dominate the landscape while spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak emerge in the distance. The steady ascent provides excellent opportunities to enjoy Kilimanjaro's unique vegetation before arriving at Horombo Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Start Point: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
End Point: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Today's trek crosses the vast Saddle, a dramatic alpine desert stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The barren landscape offers a striking contrast to the lush vegetation of previous days. After arriving at Kibo Hut, enjoy an early dinner and rest for a few hours before your midnight summit attempt.
Start Point: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
End Point: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 7–9 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Around midnight, the summit ascent begins under a sky filled with stars. Guided by headlamps, you make your way towards Gilman's Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres. After celebrating this remarkable achievement and taking in the breathtaking views, the descent begins back to Kibo Hut for a short rest. The journey then continues down to Horombo Hut, where a well-earned night's sleep awaits.
Start Point: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
End Point: Moshi or Arusha
Habitat: Heat &Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Before leaving Horombo Hut, there is time to celebrate your achievement together with the mountain crew. This is also the moment to thank the team and present the tips they have worked so hard to earn. The trail then descends through the heathland and lush rainforest to Marangu Gate, where summit certificates are awarded before the transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
5. INCLUSIVE
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All national park, hut accommodation and rescue fees
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Professional mountain guides, mountain chef and support crew
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All meals as outlined in the itinerary
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Treated and boiled drinking water, coffee, tea, milk, juice and Milo provided throughout the climb
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Shared mountain hut accommodation
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Emergency oxygen
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Daily health and safety checks
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Emergency evacuation cover
6. EXCLUSIVE
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International flights
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Visa fees and any applicable travel documentation
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Personal travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,895 metres
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Additional accommodation before or after the climb
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Transfers from/to Moshi or Arusha to/from designated park gate. Should you require them, we are happy to arrange these transfers at an additional cost.
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Personal climbing equipment, including sleeping bag
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Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other personal drinks
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Personal snacks such as energy bars, protein bars, sweets and crisps
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Tips for the mountain crew (please refer to our Tipping Guidelines)
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Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
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Any government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees, rescue fees, VAT, or other mandatory charges will be passed on accordingly, even if the booking has already been confirmed and paid in full.
7. PRICING
1
PERSON
$ 1,645
2
PERSONS
$ 1,515
per person
4
PERSONS
$ 1,480
per person
6
PERSONS
$ 1,460
per person
