Guide to Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro’s Oldest Route
Group Size: Based on minimum of 2 passengers
Departures: Scheduled departures throughout the year (private departures available)
If you Gilmans Point (green certificate) or Uhuru Peak (gold certificate) have passed, then you get to the entrance / exit a certificate with the message that you have reached the highest point in Africa.
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Guide: Your Path to Uhuru Peak
The Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Guide is your ultimate resource for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the famous “Coca-Cola Route.” Known for its hut accommodations and beginner-friendly trail, the Marangu Route offers a unique trekking experience. This guide covers the 5-day and 6-day itineraries, success rates, hut facilities, preparation tips, and why this route suits first-time climbers. Ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak? Let’s dive in!
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its history of soda sales at huts, is Kilimanjaro’s only path with dormitory-style accommodations. Here are five unique advantages:
- Hut Accommodations: Sleep in wooden bunks with mattresses, no camping required.
- Established Trail: Well-marked, gradual path ideal for beginners.
- Shorter Itineraries: Offers a 5-day option for time-constrained climbers.
- Dining Halls: Communal eating areas at each hut.
- Less Gear Needed: No tents or sleeping pads required, reducing pack weight.
Who Should Climb Marangu? Ideal for first-time high-altitude hikers, those who dislike camping, older adventurers (50+), and rainy season climbers due to hut protection.
Marangu Route Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration Options | 5 or 6 days |
| Total Distance | 72 km (45 miles) roundtrip |
| Success Rate | 60-65% (5-day), 70-75% (6-day) |
| Hut Capacity | 120 climbers/night max |
| Best For | Beginners who dislike camping |
Marangu Route Huts: What to Expect
The Marangu Route’s huts are a key feature, offering shelter and basic amenities. Here’s an overview:
- Mandara Hut (2,700m): 60-70 person capacity, rainforest setting.
- Horombo Hut (3,720m): 120 person capacity, moorland views.
- Kibo Hut (4,700m): 60 person capacity, alpine desert base for summit.
Hut Amenities: Wooden bunks with thin mattresses, basic dining shelters, squat-style toilets, limited solar charging.
Packing for Huts: Bring a sleeping bag liner, ear plugs (for dormitory noise), headlamp with red light, and flip-flops for hut use.
6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
The 6-day Marangu Route itinerary balances acclimatization and summit success. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Transfer to a base hotel near Marangu, attend a guide briefing, and check gear.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m, 8 km, 4-5 hours, rainforest habitat. Trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m, 12 km, 5-6 hours, moorland habitat. Enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Hike to Mawenzi Hut or Zebra Rocks (4,500m) for acclimatization, return to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m, 10 km, 6-8 hours, alpine desert. Prepare for the summit push.
Day 6: Summit Day & Descent to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) and back to 3,720m, 22 km, 12-14 hours. Summit at midnight, descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m, 20 km, 5-7 hours. Receive summit certificate, transfer to hotel.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Tip: The 6-day itinerary’s extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut boosts success rates by 10-15%.
5-Day vs. 6-Day Marangu Route
| Factor | 5-Day Marangu | 6-Day Marangu |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 60-65% | 70-75% |
| Acclimatization | Poor | Better (Zebra Rocks hike) |
| Cost | $1,680–$2,000 | $1,800–$2,300 |
| Daily Distance | Longer days | More manageable |
| Recommended For | Time-constrained | Better summit chances |
Expert Tip: Choose the 6-day itinerary for better acclimatization and a 70-75% success rate vs. 60-65% for 5-day.
How Hard is the Marangu Route?
Despite its gradual slope, the Marangu Route is challenging due to its rapid ascent. The 6-day itinerary improves acclimatization, reducing altitude sickness risks. Proper training (cardio, stair climbing, downhill hiking) is essential.
Marangu Route Success Rates
- 5-Day: 60-65% success rate due to limited acclimatization.
- 6-Day: 70-75% success rate with an extra day at Horombo Hut.
- 7-Day: 80-90% success rate, the best option for summit success.
| Group Size | Price Per Person | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,308 | Solo climbers pay a premium. |
| 2-4 people | $2,058 | Shared costs for guides/porters. |
| 5-9 people | $1,928 | Medium group discounts. |
| 10+ people | $1,750 | Best rates for large groups. |
Included: Park fees, hut accommodations, meals, guides, porters, transfers, safety equipment.
Not Included: Flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips, personal gear.
Training for the Marangu Route
12-Week Plan:
- Weeks 1-4: Build to 8 km daily walks.
- Weeks 5-8: Add 500m+ elevation gain.
- Weeks 9-12: Back-to-back 10 km hike days.
Critical Workouts: Stair climbing with a 10 kg pack, downhill hiking, 5+ hour endurance sessions.
Packing List for the Marangu Route
Hut-Specific Items: Sleeping bag liner, ear plugs, lightweight hut shoes, quick-dry towel.
Standard Gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-10°C), hiking boots, cold-weather summit layers, trekking poles.
FAQs About the Marangu Route
1. Why is it called the “Coca-Cola Route”?
The Marangu Route earned its nickname because it was historically the only Kilimanjaro path with mountain huts selling Coca-Cola to climbers in the 1970s–80s. Today, sodas aren’t guaranteed, but the name stuck!
2. Are there showers on the Marangu Route?
Yes! Cold-water showers (for a small fee) are available at:
Mandara Hut (Day 1)
Horombo Hut (Days 2 & 5)
⚠️ No showers at Kibo Hut (summit night base). Pack wet wipes!
3. Can I charge my phone or camera in the huts?
Limited solar-powered charging is available, but outlets are scarce. Bring:
A high-capacity power bank
A solar charger (for longer trips)
4. Is the Marangu Route easier than other Kilimanjaro routes?
Terrain: Yes—it’s the gentlest trail with no technical climbs.
But: The 5-day option has a low success rate due to rapid altitude gain.
✅ Verdict: The 6-day Marangu itinerary is “easier” than the 5-day, but routes like Machame (7 days) have better summit stats.
5. How cold does it get on the Marangu Route?
Summit night: -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) with wind chill.
Pack: Thermal layers, a -20°C sleeping bag, and hand warmers.
Marangu Route vs. Machame Route
| Factor | Marangu Route | Machame Route |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5-6 days | 6-7 days |
| Accommodation | Huts | Camping |
| Scenery | Less varied | Stunning views |
| Success Rate | 60-70% | 85%+ |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
Choose Marangu if you want huts, a shorter hike, and lower cost.
Choose Machame if you prefer higher success rates and better scenery.
Choose Marangu if you dislike camping, want hut comforts, or climb in the rainy season.
Choose Machame if: Summit success and varied scenery are priorities.
Booking Your Marangu Route Climb
3 Essential Tips:
Uphill:
- Book early due to limited hut capacity.
- Choose the 6-day itinerary for better summit chances.
- Verify operators are KINAPA-approved.
Is the Marangu Route Right for You?
Choose Marangu if: You prefer huts, have limited time, or climb in the rainy season.
Consider other routes if: You prioritize summit success or wilderness solitude.
