Trek Overview
The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or “Tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
The Marangu Route is considered to be one of the easier paths to the summit, given its gradual slope and direct path. Our expert guides will ensure everything goes smoothly from top to bottom while you enjoy the challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro. The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the necessities.
Best Time to Use the Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is January to March and June to October, when the weather is dry and the skies are clear. The route can still be attempted during the short rainy seasons, but trekkers may encounter mud, clouds, and occasional snow.
Route at a Glance
Trek Duration;
5 Days, 4 Nights
Scenery;
Good
Difficulty;
Medium
Traffic;
High
Day-to-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Marangu Gate (1,870m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m)
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush rainforest, where you may encounter colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The trail ascends gradually, leading to Mandara Hut, located on the edge of the rainforest. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
DAY 2: Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the moorland zone, passing the Maundi Crater. The landscape opens up, providing stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night. The hut offers impressive views of the summit.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
DAY 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
After breakfast, trek through the alpine desert, crossing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail is relatively flat, but the altitude makes the hike challenging. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 4: Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
The summit attempt begins at midnight, with a steep and challenging ascent to Gilman’s Point, followed by a trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking views, begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. Continue descending to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) ascent to Uhuru Peak + 16 km (10 miles) descent to Horombo Hut
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to the summit, 5-6 hours descent to Horombo Hut
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
DAY 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m)
After breakfast, continue descending through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Route Highlights
- Most gradual gradient — best suited to first-time trekkers
- Huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo provide relative comfort
- 6-day option strongly recommended for better acclimatisation
- Passes through beautiful Kilimanjaro rainforest
- Only route with dormitory-style hut accommodation — no tent camping
Detailed Breakdown
Trekking Cost Includes
- All entrance fees and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Private guide speaking fluent English
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure.
- Visas & vaccinations.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
