🏔️ Marangu Route – 5 or 6 Days to the Summit
Route Type: Hut Accommodation (No Camping)
Duration: 5 or 6 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Marangu Gate (Eastern Approach)
Ending Point: Marangu Gate
The Classic “Coca-Cola Route”
The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trail. Nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” for its popularity and accessibility, it’s the only route with hut accommodation, making it a favorite for trekkers who prefer not to camp.
Following a direct path to the summit, this route ascends and descends along the same trail. It offers a gentler start through rainforest and heathland but provides less time for acclimatization than other routes—so the optional 6th day is highly recommended.
This is a great choice for climbers seeking comfort, simplicity, and a quicker summit attempt.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary (6-Day Option Recommended)
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Transfer from Moshi to Marangu Gate (~1.5 hrs)
Begin trek through the montane rainforest, home to blue monkeys and birds
Overnight in wooden A-frame huts at Mandara
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Exit forest and enter heathland/moorland zone with clear mountain views
Pass Maundi Crater and trek to Horombo for sunset over Mawenzi Peak
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo (Optional for 6-Day Trek)
Highly recommended extra day to adjust to altitude
Short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) and back
Rest and recharge for summit success
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Trek through alpine desert along the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo
Arrive at base camp by mid-afternoon, early dinner, and rest before summit attempt
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut
Midnight summit attempt via Gilman’s Point (5,685m)
Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise—the roof of Africa!
Descend to Horombo for overnight rest
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Moshi
Final descent through moorland and rainforest
Celebrate with your summit certificate at the gate
Return transfer to Moshi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (not included unless arranged)
Book Climbing
✅ What’s Included
Park fees and permits
Hut accommodation on the mountain (bedding included)
Professional mountain guide, cook, and porters
Daily meals and boiled drinking water
Rescue fees and first aid support
Transfers to/from Marangu Gate
❌ What’s Not Included
Hotel nights in Moshi before/after trek
Flights and travel insurance
Tipping for guides and crew
Snacks, drinks, and personal hiking gear
Additional acclimatization day if not pre-booked