Overview

The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro.

This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Highlights

Coca-Cola Route” – The only route with hut accommodations (wooden dormitory-style huts with beds, mattresses, and communal dining halls).
Shortest Route Duration – Typically done in 5 or 6 days, making it one of the quickest ways to attempt Kilimanjaro.
Gentle Gradual Slope – The ascent is less steep compared to other routes, making it a popular choice for first-time trekkers.
Direct Path – Uses the same trail up and down, offering a straightforward and familiar route.
Scenic Variety – Passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the snow-capped summit.
Cultural History – Known as the oldest and most established route, with a rich history among climbers.
Budget-Friendly – Generally more affordable due to shorter trekking days and hut accommodation (no need for camping equipment).

Itenary

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Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

The park service last reported that the success rate of the 5 day Marangu route is only around 30% and the 6 day Marangu route is about 50%. Our Marangu success rates are consistently 15-20% higher than these figures.

✅ Why Choose the Marangu Route?

The only route with hut accommodations.
Shorter duration (5–6 days).
A more comfortable trekking experience.
Historic and well-established path to the summit.

Day 01 :

Marangu Gate (1,870 m) → Mandara Hut (2,720 m)

The climb begins at Marangu Gate, where you’ll complete registration before trekking through lush rainforest filled with colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birdlife. The trail gradually ascends to Mandara Hut, located in a forest clearing. An optional short walk to Maundi Crater offers beautiful views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Trek time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 02 :

Mandara Hut (2,720 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

The trail leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. You’ll pass giant lobelias and cross open moorlands before reaching Horombo Hut, where clear skies reveal stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 03 :

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

A crucial acclimatization day to prepare for higher altitudes. You can hike to Mawenzi Ridge (4,400 m) for spectacular views and then return to Horombo. This extra day greatly increases summit success chances.

Trek time: 3–4 hours (optional hike)
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 04 :

Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

The trail climbs steadily through the alpine desert, crossing the Saddle, a vast barren stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo. You’ll reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon, located at the base of Kibo Crater. Rest early before the midnight summit push.

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 05 :

Kibo Hut (4,700 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Trek time: 7-9 hours

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

Habitat: Arctic

Summit day! Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Trek time: 7-9 hours

Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

Habitat: Arctic

Accomodation:Horombo Hut

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 06 :

Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,870 m)

The final descent takes you through the moorland and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. A transfer back to Moshi or Arusha marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~20 km
Habitat: Rainforest

Marangu route

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itenary

What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

Includes & Excludes

Includes

Excludes

Marangu Route

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