Marangu Route
Want to Customize this Trip
Destination to Visit
Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak , Marangu Gate
Start / Finish in
Start in Moshi & End in Moshi
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Overview
The Marangu Route is one of the most established and historic trails used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is known for being the only Kilimanjaro route where climbers sleep in mountain huts rather than tents. These huts provide basic but comfortable accommodation with bunk beds, mattresses, pillows, and shared dining areas.
Another distinctive feature of this route is its gradual ascent along the southeastern side of the mountain. The trail follows the same path for both ascent and descent, allowing trekkers to experience a wide range of ecosystems including rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and the high arctic summit zone.
Although the Marangu Route can be completed in five days, the six-day itinerary is strongly recommended because it includes an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. This extra time helps trekkers adjust to the altitude and greatly improves the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent.
Day By Day
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins after breakfast with a drive to Marangu Gate, located within Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing registration procedures, the climb starts along a well-defined trail that winds through dense tropical rainforest.
This forest is rich in wildlife and vegetation, with towering trees, colorful birds, and the possibility of spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys along the way. The walk is steady but gentle, allowing trekkers to settle into the pace of the climb.
After several hours of hiking, you arrive at Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop. In the afternoon, an optional short hike to the nearby Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of northern Tanzania and even across the border into Kenya on clear days.
- Elevation: 1860m / 6100ft to 2700m / 8875ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast, the trail gradually leaves the rainforest behind and enters open heathland and moorland landscapes. The scenery becomes more expansive as the vegetation changes to giant lobelias, groundsels, and low shrubs typical of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude environment.
As you continue climbing, impressive views begin to appear, including the rugged spires of Mawenzi and the snow-capped summit of Kibo in the distance. The gradual ascent helps the body adapt to the increasing altitude.
By afternoon you will reach Horombo Hut, a large camp that serves as a central resting point on the Marangu Route. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape.
- Elevation: 2700m / 8875ft to 3700m / 12,200ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland / Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, which is an important step in preparing your body for higher elevations. Spending an additional night at Horombo Hut greatly increases the chances of a successful summit attempt.
Trekkers can relax around the camp or take an optional acclimatization hike toward the lower slopes of Mawenzi Peak. These short hikes help your body adapt to the altitude while offering stunning views of the dramatic volcanic landscape.
After returning to Horombo Hut, the remainder of the day is spent resting, enjoying meals, and preparing for the next stage of the climb.
- Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft
- Distance: Optional short hikes
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today’s trek leads into a much drier and more rugged environment. The trail crosses a wide alpine desert known as the Saddle, a vast plateau located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
Vegetation becomes sparse as the landscape transforms into a rocky and lunar-like terrain. This section of the climb can feel remote and dramatic, highlighting the immense scale of Kilimanjaro.
After several hours of trekking, you reach Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kibo Peak. Here you will rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare your gear for the overnight summit attempt. Climbers usually go to bed early to conserve energy for the challenging ascent ahead.
- Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 4700m / 15,500ft
- Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. Equipped with headlamps, warm clothing, and determination, you start the slow climb up the steep slopes of Kibo.
The trail ascends through loose volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim of Kilimanjaro. Reaching this point is a major milestone, as it marks the first view of the glacier-covered summit area.
From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Standing at the summit is a truly unforgettable moment, offering breathtaking views across the surrounding plains and glaciers.
After celebrating and taking photographs at the summit, you begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.
- Elevation: 4700m / 15,500ft to 5895m / 19,340ft
- Descent to 3700m / 12,200ft
- Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 6–7 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone / Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On the final day, the descent continues down through moorland and back into the lush rainforest. The lower sections of the trail can sometimes be muddy due to the humid forest environment, so trekking poles can be helpful.
As you descend further, the air becomes warmer and the forest thicker, marking the return to lower elevations. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, climbers receive their official summit certificates to celebrate their achievement.
Your driver will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Elevation: 3700m / 12,200ft to 1700m / 5500ft
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
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RECOMMENDED FOR
Adventure seekers who dream of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Nature lovers who want to experience diverse landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glaciers.
Travelers seeking a personal challenge and a rewarding sense of achievement at the summit.
PRICE INCLUSION
- All Game Drives;
- Accommodation At Lodges/Tented Camps
- English Speaking Driver/Guide;
- All Food; Drinking Water;
- 18% VAT Tax;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- Accommodation In Moshi/Arusha;
- Airport Transfers;
PRICE EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities (guide, driver, lodge staff)
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless stated)
- Optional activities