The Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the only Kilimanjaro trail that offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a preferred choice for trekkers seeking extra comfort. Climbers stay in dormitory-style huts with simple amenities, a major advantage during the rainy season. As the oldest and one of the most popular routes on the mountain, Marangu combines tradition with accessibility.
Approaching Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the trail winds through lush rainforest, open moorland, and alpine desert, before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via Gilman’s Point. The summit is typically reached at sunrise, offering breathtaking views from the highest point in Africa.
Although the 5-day climb is widely used, the 6-day itinerary is strongly recommended for improved acclimatization and a higher success rate. Unlike other routes, Marangu follows the same path up and down, which means less scenic variety—but it makes up for this with a gentler gradient and a solid, well-trodden track. Adding an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut significantly enhances both safety and enjoyment.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, the starting point for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a full briefing and equipment check. The rest of the day is free to relax, rehydrate, and prepare mentally for the climb.
Accommodation: Budget, Midrange, or Luxury in Moshi Town
Meal Plan: Dinner
Distance: ~8 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Marangu Gate, where you’ll register with the park authorities before starting your trek. The trail takes you into the lush rainforest, alive with birdsong, playful blue monkeys, and the shade of towering fig trees. The climb is steady but gentle, offering a calm introduction to the mountain.
After 4–5 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, a forest clearing base. If you have energy left, take an optional short hike to Maundi Crater for breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: ~12 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail ascends into the moorland zone, where the scenery changes dramatically. Rolling heathlands and grassy slopes stretch out, dotted with unique plants such as giant lobelias and groundsels. Panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks open up along the way, offering spectacular photo opportunities.
As the altitude increases, the pace slows—“pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the guiding principle to help with acclimatization. Staying hydrated and moving steadily is key.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner, stunning mountain views, and rest in shared hut accommodation.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,720m (hike up to ~4,000m)
Distance: 5–8 km (optional hike) | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
This day is reserved for acclimatization, a vital step toward summit success. After breakfast, take a light hike to Zebra Rocks (~4,000m), a striking landmark with black-and-white mineral streaks. This trek helps your body adjust to the altitude while rewarding you with sweeping mountain views.
You’ll return to Horombo Hut for lunch, with the afternoon free to rest, journal, or chat with fellow climbers. After an early dinner, settle in for the night and prepare to head toward higher elevations the following day.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,720m → 4,703m
Distance: ~10 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Today’s trek carries you into the stark beauty of the alpine desert, where the air is thin and vegetation is scarce. The trail leads across the Saddle, a wide, barren plateau that stretches between the jagged peak of Mawenzi and the towering bulk of Kibo. With vast open views and a dramatic, almost lunar landscape, this stage of the journey is both awe-inspiring and demanding.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll reach Kibo Hut (4,703m). The remainder of the day is devoted to rest and preparation for your summit push. After an early dinner, organize your gear and head to bed early; you’ll need a few hours of sleep before rising around midnight for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 4,703m → 5,895m → 3,720m
Distance: ~20 km | Trekking Time: 12–14 hours
Your summit bid begins just before midnight. By headlamp, you’ll ascend steep switchbacks on the way to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m)—a tough and demanding climb in the cold night air. From there, follow the crater rim as dawn breaks, pushing onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Standing on the Roof of the Continent at sunrise is an unforgettable reward.
After celebrating your achievement and capturing summit photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest. From there, continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain. This is a long and challenging day, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and keep strong.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Altitude: 3,720m → 1,860m
Distance: ~20 km | Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
After breakfast, begin your final descent through changing landscapes—from high moorland into the lush rainforest. With every step, the air grows warmer and the scenery more vibrant. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, sign out with the park authorities and receive your summit certificate, a proud reminder of your Kilimanjaro accomplishment.
From the gate, our team will transfer you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, a celebratory dinner, and a well-deserved night of rest await.
Accommodation: Choice of Budget, Midrange, or Luxury in Moshi Town
Meals Included: Dinner
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your journey home.
If you’re extending your adventure with a wildlife safari or a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday, our team will ensure smooth travel arrangements and connections.
Your Kilimanjaro journey concludes with a profound sense of achievement, lifelong memories, and new friendships forged on the Roof of Africa.
Drinks at the hotel (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.)
Personal trekking gear and belongings
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info@tanzanitegemstours.com
Mirerani
