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Marangu Route
The 6-day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations throughout the trek. This classic route provides a more comfortable climb, with fewer steep sections compared to other routes. It begins at Marangu Gate and passes through beautiful rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.
The 6-day itinerary allows an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, increasing your chances of a successful summit. Known for its straightforward path, the Marangu Route is a favorite for climbers seeking a moderate challenge with more comfort. The route also offers spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the summit glaciers.
- Marangu Route
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Parks
Itinerary
Cost
Additional Info
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary: Marangu Route – 6 Days
Day 1
After completing the entrance formalities at the National Park gate (1,830 m), we will ascend through an attractive, unspoiled forest until we reach the clearing at Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The volcanic remnants of Maundi Crater are nearby, making for an excellent afternoon excursion. Alternatively, you may choose to simply relax and appreciate the beauty of the surrounding forest. Overnight at Mandara Hut. (Walking time: 3-5 hours)
Day 2
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through the forest, but the path soon opens into grassy moorland, offering stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks on clear days. We will continue our steady climb through the moorland zone, which is characterized by giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, until we reach the Horombo Hut complex (3,720 m). Sunrises and sunsets here are often spectacular, and you will feel a genuine sense of being above the clouds. Overnight at Horombo Hut. (Walking time: 4-6 hours)
Day 3
Today will be spent on an excursion towards the base of the seldom-visited Mawenzi Peak, providing excellent views of Kibo and our route up to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Mawenzi is an older volcano than Kibo and has eroded into a jagged ridge with dramatic pinnacles. The landscape feels more alpine, instilling a greater sense of peace than other locations on this route. We will return to Horombo Hut for a second night to further aid our acclimatization. (Walking time: 4-5 hours)
Day 4
We will gradually ascend towards the lunar desert of the Saddle, located between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain transitions to scree, enhancing the feeling of high-altitude wilderness. We expect to reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday, leaving the afternoon free to contemplate the summit ascent. The remainder of the day will be spent resting and preparing for the final climb, followed by an early night. Overnight at Kibo Hut. (Walking time: 4-6 hours)
Day 5
Our ascent will begin by torchlight at approximately 1 a.m., aiming to reach Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep, traversing loose volcanic scree, but the well-graded zigzags allow for a steady pace, enabling us to reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) in about five to six hours. We will take a moment to rest and enjoy the sunrise. For those still feeling strong, a three-hour round trip along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m) is possible, passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy much of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly swift, and we will return to Horombo Hut for the night. (Walking time: 11-15 hours)
Day 6
On our final day, we will retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk back to Mandara, followed by a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates. The lush greenery of the forest stands in striking contrast to the stark landscape experienced on summit day, highlighting the remarkable diversity of scenery on Kilimanjaro. (Walking time: 5-6 hours)
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast and is the oldest, most well-established path on the mountain. Many climbers favor the Marangu Route due to its reputation as the easiest ascent, characterized by a gradual slope and direct path.
A unique feature of the Marangu Route is the dormitory-style accommodation in sleeping huts. Each of the Mandara and Kibo Huts has 60 bunk beds, while the Horombo Hut offers 120. Guests are provided with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are required. The huts feature communal dining halls and basic washroom facilities, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long-drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. A selection of refreshments, including soft drinks, bottled water, and beer, is available for purchase.
The Marangu Route also offers the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain, extending the trek to six days. This additional day significantly increases your chances of a successful summit. Shared hut accommodation is one of the key differences compared to other routes, allowing climbers the relative luxury of sleeping in huts throughout the journey. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer are available for purchase at all camps along this route.
Overall, the Marangu Route is available as a private climb lasting five to six days, catering to those seeking a comfortable and accessible experience on Kilimanjaro.
Cost
Price Per Person in US Dollars
$2,300 per person for solo trekkers
$2,200 per person for two people trekking together
$2,100 per person for three people trekking together
$2,000 per person for four people trekking together
$1,900 per person for five people trekking together
$1,800 per person for six or more people trekking together
Additional Info
What’s Included
Transport to and from the park gate, as well as airport transfers
Pre- and post-climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi
Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
Mountain tent and mattress
Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and chef
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
Water, tea, and coffee with meals
What’s Not Included
Flights
Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Travel insurance
Visa and passport fees
Increases in park fees where applicable
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag
Tips for guide(s), porters, and cook
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages