KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
MARANGU ROUTE
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most popular and straightforward paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek is ideal for climbers seeking a shorter, less technical ascent. The route offers a gradual slope, allowing trekkers to acclimatize effectively, and features comfortable hut accommodations, making it more convenient compared to camping routes.
Your journey begins at Marangu Gate, trekking through the lush rainforests of Kilimanjaro, where you’ll spot unique flora and fauna. As you ascend, the landscape transitions into heath and moorland zones, with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The route continues to Horombo Hut and Kibo Hut, where you'll prepare for the challenging night summit attempt to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
The final ascent to the summit involves a midnight trek under the stars, passing through Gillman’s Point and reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After enjoying breathtaking views from the roof of Africa, you’ll descend back through the same route.
The Marangu Route offers a great balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for first-time climbers looking to conquer Kilimanjaro.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Arusha 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.
Distance covered
- 8.3km / 5.2 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 5 Hours
Accomodation
- Mandara Hut (Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro)
Meal & Drinks
- Lunch and Dinner
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
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.
Distance covered
- 12.5km / 7.8 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 9 Hours
Accomodation
- Horombo Hut (Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro)
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3 - Acclimatization Trek to Zebra Rock, Back to Horombo Hut
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.
Distance covered
- 5km / 3.1 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 4 Hours
Accomodation
- Horombo Hut (Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro)
Meal & Drinks
- All meals included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
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 which 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.
Distance covered
- 9.5km / 5.9 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 7 Hours
Accomodation
- Kibo Hut (Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro)
Meal & Drinks
- All Meals Included
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Down to Horombo Hut
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.
Distance covered
- 22km / 13.7 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 13 Hours
Accomodation
- Horombo Hut (Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro)
Meal & Drinks
- Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner Not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
The last stage passes through the heath and moorzone 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 Arusha. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered
- 20.8km / 12.9 mi.
Approx. time taken
- 8 Hours
Meal & Drinks
- Breakfast & Lunch (Dinner Not included)
- Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
PHOTOS
Inclusions
Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees
All activities
All accommodation
A professional driver / guide
All transportation
All Taxes / VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals
Drinking water
EXCLUSIONS
Climbing gear
International flights
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips
Personal items
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Highlights
Rainforest Zone
Begin your trek through the lush rainforests at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. This area is rich with unique plant life, towering trees, and the chance to spot monkeys like the blue monkey and Colobus monkey.
Moorland and Heath Zones
As you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically from dense rainforest to open moorland, with giant heathers and unique vegetation like the giant groundsels and lobelias, providing striking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
Mawenzi and Kibo Views
Trekking past Horombo Hut, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, with rugged and scenic landscapes stretching out before you.
Kibo Hut
Located at the foot of Kibo, this high-altitude base camp is where you’ll prepare for the final summit push. The view of the mountain is breathtaking from this point.
Summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters)
The ultimate highlight of the trek is reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise at the summit, with views of the glaciers, crater rim, and expansive plains below.
Gillman’s Point
Before reaching the summit, trekkers pass Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, offering rewarding views and a sense of achievement.
