- 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, famously known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the only Kilimanjaro trekking path with hut accommodations, providing trekkers with a more comfortable experience. This classic route is ideal for those who prefer a gradual ascent with structured overnight stays. Over six days, you'll journey through diverse landscapes—from dense rainforests to alpine deserts—before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. This itinerary includes an acclimatization day, which significantly increases your chances of reaching the 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.
6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, final gear check, and packing recommendations. This is also your last chance to rent any missing gear before the climb. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha..
- Meals Included : None
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)
After an early breakfast, we drive to Marangu Gate (about 1.5 hours from Arusha, 45 minutes from Moshi). Here, registration is completed, and we meet our support team of guides, porters, and cooks before starting the trek.
The hike begins in lush rainforest, with towering trees, hanging vines, and occasional sightings of blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The trail is well-maintained, and the 8km trek to Mandara Hut takes about 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, you can explore the nearby Maundi Crater for a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the surrounding landscape.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: 8km (~4-5 hours)
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut (wooden mountain hut with dormitory-style bunk beds)
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Leaving Mandara Hut, the trek continues through the rainforest before transitioning into the heath and moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically, with giant senecio plants and open views of Mount Mawenzi.
As you climb, the air becomes cooler and drier. The trail is longer today, covering 12km over 6 hours, but it is not too steep. Along the way, you’ll take breaks and acclimatize before reaching Horombo Hut, where you’ll stay for two nights. The evening is spent relaxing, enjoying a warm meal, and taking in the incredible mountain views.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: 12km (~6 hours)
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, communal dining area, and basic facilities)
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Today is an essential acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude and increase your chances of a successful summit. After breakfast, we take a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge (4,310m) or Zebra Rocks, a unique rock formation.
The goal of this day is to "climb high, sleep low," a crucial altitude adjustment technique. After the hike, we return to Horombo Hut for lunch and an afternoon of rest. This extra day significantly improves your summit success rate.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Optional Trek: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, communal dining area, and basic facilities)
Day 4: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Today’s trek moves into the alpine desert, where vegetation becomes sparse, and the air is noticeably thinner. The trail ascends gradually past "The Saddle," a wide, barren plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
This 10km trek takes about 6 hours, with fewer water sources along the way. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll have an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit push. Guides will provide a final briefing on summit night preparations.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: 10km (~6 hours)
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, basic restroom facilities, and a resting area)
Day 5: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut
The most challenging and rewarding day begins just after midnight. The steep ascent follows a zigzag path through scree slopes up to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From here, the trail flattens slightly as you make the final push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, we descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. This long but exhilarating day involves around 14–16 hours of trekking.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~16km (~12-16 hours)
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Shared mountain hut with bunk beds, communal dining area, and basic facilities)
Day 6: 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.
- Trekking Distance: 20km (~5-6 hours)
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 7: 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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