Overview
Marangu was the first route up Kilimanjaro, and its nickname, the "Coca-Cola route," comes from being the easiest and most accessible way to the top. It's also the only route that provides proper sleeping huts at each campsite, with solar lighting and real beds in place of a tent and sleeping mat.
Mandara and Kibo huts sleep 60 climbers each, and Horombo has 120 beds. The accommodation is communal, shared with climbing groups from around the world, so the dining huts buzz with an energetic, social atmosphere each evening that tented routes can't match. The two lower huts have bathrooms and running water, while the last camp before summit night offers more basic latrines.
At 5 days, this is Kilimanjaro's most affordable itinerary, and that price is exactly why so many climbers choose it. If you'd prefer better summit odds over the shortest trip, we can stretch it to 6 days, adding an acclimatization day at Horombo. Our guide to route length and success rates explains how that trade-off plays out.
To book your Marangu route climb, contact us, or begin preparing with our Kilimanjaro packing list.
A real elevation profile for the Marangu Route — 5,895m at the summit, from a 1,860m start.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (5 days)
Once breakfast and the trip briefing are done, you drive roughly 1 hour to Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, complete registration, and start walking. The trail winds through rainforest up to the Mandara encampment. You can add a side trip to Maundi Crater, a handy vantage point for viewing the surrounding country, Northern Tanzania and Kenya included. Keep an eye out in the forest for tall Eucalyptus trees, birds, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and dinner (LD)
The path leaves the rainforest clearings behind and climbs across open moorland toward the Horombo encampment. The outlook over Mawenzi and the top of Kibo is superb, and you will spot giant lobelias and groundsels along the way. Some effects of the altitude may start to show.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD)
Climbing on, we go beyond the final watering point and cross the Kilimanjaro saddle that lies between the summits of Kibo and Mawenzi. The upper heathland gives way to a barren “moonscape” where almost nothing grows. Once at camp, you will have dinner and rest, then get ready for the summit climb while still on the mountain.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
The summit push begins very early, between midnight and 2 am, with a climb over steep, heavy scree or snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there we keep going up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent, where every turn brings incredible views. Be sure to get a photo at the top to share with friends and family. We then head back down, pausing at Kibo for lunch and a rest before carrying on to the Horombo encampment.
The first part of the ascent happens in darkness, so bring a headlamp or flashlight. Expect bitter cold until you begin to descend, which means wearing every warm layer you have. This is easily the hardest stretch of the trek, with many switchbacks. Moving slowly, “pole pole,” and keeping a positive attitude will carry you through!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Following breakfast, we make a steady descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut. From there the path winds down through lush forest to the National Park gate at Marangu, which brings your 5-day Kilimanjaro climb to a close. The lower slopes can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. Shorts and T-shirts will most likely be enough to wear, though keep your rain gear and warmer layers within reach.
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate and take you back to your hotel in Moshi (roughly 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals included: B
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.