- Arusha/Moshi Town
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- Marangu Route
Overview of the Marangu Route
Conquer Africa’s Highest Peak via the Only Hut Accommodation Route!
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route", is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers hut accommodations, making it one of the most popular choices for climbers. This 5-day trek provides a gradual and scenic ascent through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, leading to the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Though considered an "easier" route, the shorter itinerary gives less time for acclimatization, making proper preparation and steady ascent crucial for a successful summit.
With comfortable mountain huts, professional guides, and a dedicated support team, the Marangu Route is perfect for trekkers looking for a challenging yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
5-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival Day
Your opportunity to meet your expedition guide, and learn more about your tour. On arrival in Tanzania we will transfer roughly 1 hour to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You`ll have a short time to freshen up, and then have a briefing. Your guide will give you a briefing and ensure that you have all the gear/kits required for the trip. If you are missing essential equipment it can be rented for very cheap prices.
Our briefings will give you a clear view of the days to come from your expedition guide as well as get a chance to ask any questions.
- Meals Included : None
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Your adventure begins with a morning transfer from Arusha or Moshi to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where you will complete registration formalities before starting your trek. The journey starts through the lush tropical rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds. A steady 4–5 hour hike brings you to Mandara Hut (2,700m), where you will rest overnight.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, communal dining area, and solar lighting)
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
After breakfast, you will leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, where vegetation shifts to giant lobelias and Senecio plants. The views of Mawenzi Peak become clearer as you ascend. The trek to Horombo Hut (3,720m) takes 6–8 hours, with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, communal dining area, and basic facilities)
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Today’s trek takes you into the alpine desert, crossing the Saddle, a vast, barren landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. You will reach Kibo Hut (4,703m) in the afternoon, where you will rest early in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, basic restroom facilities, and a resting area)
Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (Summit Night!)
Your summit push begins at midnight, ascending through the steep scree slopes towards Gilman’s Point (5,685m). From there, you trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa!
After witnessing the stunning sunrise over Kilimanjaro, you begin your descent back to Kibo Hut, then continue to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds and communal dining area)
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha
The final stretch of your trek takes you back through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your incredible adventure!
- Meals Included : Breakfast and Lunch. Dinner is not included.
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 6: Departure Date/Flight Day
A long or short safari and Zanzibar beach holiday adventure can seamlessly be arranged before or after your Kilimanjaro trek with us. For those wishing to explore Moshi Town and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture, including visits to local attractions, markets, and communities, we recommend adding an extra overnight stay. We’ve curated a dedicated guide to Moshi’s top destinations to enhance your experience. Explore Our Moshi Destination Guide Here.
If you prefer to conclude your journey after the trek, we’ll arrange a timely transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.
- Meals Included : Breakfast Only.
Tour Includes
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered in your trekking package.
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT.
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Camping Equipments. Tables, Chairs etc
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All Meals (as specified in the itinerary) While On Mountain
- Hot Water For Wash on all days
- Drinking water on all day
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Pick up & Drop Off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All accommodation before and after your trek (Bed & Breakfast ONLY)
Tour Excludes
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need to plan independently.
- Portable chemical toilet - $150 per toilet (including tent & porter)
- Lunch and dinner before and after trek
- Domestic and International flights (from/to home)
- Personal Climbing Gear. You can rent from us See Rental Prices or See Packing List
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
- Spending a night in the crater - $200 per person
- Western breach approach without a night at the crater camp - $100 per person
- Tanzanian mountain doctor - $200 per group per day
- Tips to mountain crew
- Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
- Guide $20/guide/day
- Cook $15/day
- Porters $10/porter/day.
- Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
Marangu Route Frequently Asked Questions
While the Marangu Route is considered one of the easier routes, the short itinerary (5 days) offers less time for acclimatization, increasing the risk of altitude sickness. Proper preparation, hydration, and a slow, steady pace are essential.
The best months are January to March and June to October, when the weather is drier and clearer.
Our chefs prepare high-energy meals including soups, pasta, rice, vegetables, fresh fruits, and protein-rich dishes to keep you energized.
Temperatures at Uhuru Peak can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). Proper layered clothing and insulated gear are required.
Both Kilimanjaro Marangu route and Lemosho route are chosen by thousands of hikers every year. Marangu route’s hut accommodation might appeal to some, while Lemosho offers stunning views, an easier acclimatization profile, and higher success rates, especially on its 7 and 8-day variations.
Marangu has another advantage that we can mention: there's an emergency road to Horombo Hut, at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This means that in the rare cases when an evacuation is needed, it would be possible to organize it faster on this route. However, every camp on Kilimanjaro has a helicopter pad for evacuation cases that require immediate helicopter rescue.
Marangu has another advantage that we can mention: there's an emergency road to Horombo Hut, at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This means that in the rare cases when an evacuation is needed, it would be possible to organize it faster on this route. However, every camp on Kilimanjaro has a helicopter pad for evacuation cases that require immediate helicopter rescue.
The Marangu route itinerary on Mount Kilimanjaro is often referred to as the "Coca-Cola route" because it is perceived as one of the more "touristy" or "comfortable" routes to climb Kilimanjaro. However, while it may offer more basic amenities compared to other routes, the climb still presents significant challenges and requires adequate preparation and fitness. Climbers need to recognize that regardless of the route chosen, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro needs commitment and some preparation.
Nearly 85% of our hikers on Marangu 5-days and 90% of hikers on the 6-day itinerary make it to the summit. This is quite high compared to historic data or other operators. However, longer 7-day itineraries on other routes can offer even higher summit success rates.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes Comparison: Marangu vs. Other Routes
| Feature | Marangu Route | Machame Route | Lemosho Route | Rongai Route | Northern Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous | Challenging | Moderate | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Duration | 5-6 Days | 6-7 Days | 6-9 Days | 6-7 Days | 8-9 Days |
| Success Rate | 85-90% | 85-95% | 90-99% | 70-80% | 90-95% |
| Accommodation | Mountain Huts | Camping | Camping | Camping | Camping |
| Scenery | Rainforest, Moorland | Rainforest, Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall | Remote Wilderness, Lava Tower | Alpine Desert, Less Crowded | 360° Views, Remote Trails |
| Crowd Level | High | High | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Best For | Beginners, Budget Travelers | Adventure Seekers | Scenery Lovers | Rainy Season Treks | High Success Seekers |
What Our Customers Are Saying
Emma Thompson
8 Days Lemosho Route
The team was extremely profesional: 1 guide per person and 6 porters (including a cook). We were taken care of with a lot of attention, the team treated us really well (including hot water bags before sleeping for the cold, a gentle a nice touch we were not seeing with the other groups). We had medical checks twice per day.
Michael Chen
9 Days Lemosho Route
Special thanks to our chief guide Wisen. He was brilliant in leading the group, check on us daily and made sure we were in good spirits. He was equally aided by assistance guides Joseph and Starson. They were joined by summit porters Humprhey and John on our last day. I thank them all for looking after our safety on that final accent day and getting us up and down safely (the decent was so much fun!) The team of porters were so professional and helpful.
Sophia Rodriguez
5 Days Marangu Route
Our chef Bakari cooked amazing meals in such extreme conditions - so filling - the soups were delicious! Thanks to the rest of the BantuPori team: Goodluck, Joseph, Mussa, Jackson, Iddi, Richard, Abdul and Richard (apologies if I have left any one out). The entire team were brilliant and and I cannot thank them enough for looking after us through out our expedition and keeping our spirits up.
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