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 9-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
HOME → Climbing Kilimanjaro → Kilimanjaro via Marangu 9 days
1. QUICK FACTS
START POINT
Marangu Gate
1,870 meter
END POINT
Moshi
HIGHEST POINT
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
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your Genes Adventures representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kilimanjaro Lodge (Supporting Mama Clementina Foundation) in Moshi. After check-in, you can relax, recover from your journey, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
After a long international journey, a full day of rest is the ideal way to prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Take time to recover, enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lodge and allow your body to adjust before beginning the climb. After breakfast, your Head Mountain Guide will meet you for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing. During this meeting, the entire itinerary will be explained, all equipment will be carefully checked and any remaining questions can be answered. Should you require additional equipment, high-quality rental gear is available through Genes Adventures, ensuring you start your climb fully prepared and with confidence.
In the afternoon, you are warmly invited to visit the nearby MCF School (on weekdays when the school is in session). This special visit offers the opportunity to meet the children and teachers and experience first-hand the positive impact of the Mama Clementina Foundation. By choosing to stay at Kilimanjaro Lodge, you are doing more than booking a comfortable place to stay before your climb — a significant portion of your accommodation directly supports the education and future of local children. Since 1988, the Mama Clementina Foundation has been empowering girls and boys through education, giving them opportunities for a brighter future. Please note that school visits are not possible during weekends and school holidays.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
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: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Habitat: Heat & Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, giving your body valuable time to adjust to the increasing altitude. Together with your guide, you will take a scenic hike towards Zebra Rocks (approximately 4,020 metres) before returning to Horombo Hut for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This additional day greatly improves acclimatization and significantly increases your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
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
Habitat: Heat &Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Walking Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Lodge
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 lush rainforest to Marangu Gate, where summit certificates are awarded before you return to Kilimanjaro Lodge. Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, relax in the peaceful surroundings and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure has come to an end. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro Lodge and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey back home. As you depart, take with you not only memories of reaching the Roof of Africa, but also the spirit of adventure and the connections made along the way. From all of us at Genes Adventures, thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us — we hope to welcome you back to Tanzania one day.
Note: Should you wish to extend your journey, it is of course possible to add a private safari to Tanzania's iconic national parks and/or a relaxing beach stay on Zanzibar. We are happy to tailor this entirely to your wishes.
Meals: Breakfast
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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All accommodations as outlined in the itinerary
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All transfers 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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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.
8. RELATED CLIMBS
MACHAME ROUTE
9 DAYS
RONGAI ROUTE
9 DAYS
LEMOSHO ROUTE
10 DAYS
7. PRICING
1
PERSON
$ 2,460
2
PERSONS
$ 2,135
per person
4
PERSONS
$ 2,080
per person
6
PERSONS
$ 2,025
per person
