Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
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.
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The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most well-established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route on the mountain that offers hut accommodation for trekkers, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more comfortable and less adventurous experience.
6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
The Marangu Route is a popular 6-day itinerary for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s a breakdown of each day:
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Hike through rainforest and plantations.
- Reach Mandara Hut at 2,720 meters (8,923 feet).
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Continue through moorland and heathland.
- Arrive at Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,204 feet).
Day 3: Horombo Hut (Acclimatization Day)
- Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Optional short hike to Mawenzi Peak for stunning views.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Hike through alpine desert and moorland.
- Reach Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters (15,485 feet).
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and back to Horombo Hut
- Summit climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet).
- Descend back to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Hike through rainforest and plantations.
- Reach Marangu Gate and return to your hotel.
Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route:
The Marangu route typically takes five to six days to complete, with accommodations in mountain huts along the way. This means that the Marangu route is busy and if you are traveling alone you can easily join in with another group for company. It is a more moderate ascent making it less difficult to climb than the others. Porters carry all of your equipment and supplies, and a cook prepares all your meals. It is also known as the Coca-Cola route. is the oldest established Kilimanjaro route, following Hans Meyer’s groundbreaking path closely up and down Kilimanjaro. The German geologist Meyer was the first to climb Kilimanjaro in 1889, accompanied by the Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller and the Kilimanjaro local guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo. The Marangu route itinerary includes beautiful scenery such as the Mandara and Horombo huts, the Maundi Crater, and the Kibo hut. Despite its reputation for being easier, the success rate is not as high as other routes due to the fast ascent which doesn’t allow proper acclimatization. The Marangu Route is known for its slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, making it appear as the easiest trekking route, although the final approach can be physically demanding, with around 1000 meters of vertical gain on the last day alone.
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro acclimatization
The Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro can be challenging for acclimatization, especially on the 5-day itinerary. Here are some things to consider about acclimatization on the Marangu Route:
Add an extra day
Many recommend adding an extra day to the 5-day itinerary to allow for an acclimatization hike. This can be done by staying an extra night at Horombo Huts on the fourth day and hiking to Mawenzi Ridge.
The 6-day option
The 6-day option is generally recommended for most climbers because it offers better chances of acclimatization.
Acclimatization hikes
Acclimatization hikes are easy treks with a slight gain in altitude that help speed up the acclimatization process.
Go slowly
Experienced mountaineers recommend going as slowly as possible and letting your guide set the pace.
Fitness level
The difficulty of the Marangu Route depends on your fitness level and experience with altitude.
Crowds
The Marangu Route is popular and can be crowded.
Marangu Route Pros and Cons
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro due to its relative ease and comfort. Pros include its well-defined path, lower cost, and the availability of comfortable sleeping huts with amenities like beds and toilets. However, the cons include its high traffic, lower success rate due to faster ascent which doesn’t allow proper acclimatization, and less scenic variety compared to other routes.
Marangu Route Success Rates
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. However, despite its popularity, it has a relatively low success rate compared to other routes. This is largely due to its shorter duration (typically 5-6 days), which doesn’t allow climbers enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. The success rate varies depending on the source, but it is generally reported to be between 50% and 70%. Longer climbs on the Marangu Route, which allows for better acclimatization, tend to have higher success rates.
| Success rates | 7 days: 80% to 90% 6 day: 60% to 70% 5 day: less than 50% |
| Starting point | Southeast |
| Number of days | 5 to 7 days |
| Elevation of starting point | 6,100 feet (1,860 meters) |
| Distance | 44 miles (70 kilometers) |
| Views | The views are not as varied as the same route is taken up and down the mountain. |
| Cost | Budget options are available.Possibly the cheapest route since the route is the shortest and no additional porters are required to carry tents. |
| Traffic | One of the most popular routes, extremely crowded.The route is used for ascending and descending. |
| Huts or tents | Huts (the only route with hut accommodation. Camping is not allowed).The huts are not private rooms but set up like dormitories. |
| Climb high sleep low | Possible for 6 or 7 day options. |
| Level of difficulty | Medium.One of the easier routes with a very steady, gradual slope for most parts of the climb. |
| Descending route | Marangu Route |
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The best time to trek the Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola” route up Mount Kilimanjaro, is during the dry seasons, which are from late June to October and from late December to early March. These periods offer the most favorable weather for climbing. However, it’s important to note that even during these periods, weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable and can change rapidly.
How difficult is the Marangu Route?
Even though this is a shorter trek over relatively easy terrain, we rate the Marangu route as difficult. With less days, your body has less time to adjust to the change in altitude. This means that you are a higher risk of altitude sickness.
In terms of chances of reaching the summit on this route, the 6 day Marangu route has a summit success rate of around 70%. This is significantly better than the 5-day Marangu trek which has an average estimated summit success rate of 30%
How busy is the Marangu route?
The Marangu route is a popular choice among the seven Kilimanjaro ascent routes because it’s seen as an easier climb, given its gradual slope and direct path. It’s also popular with those who don’t like camping. And it can be a cheaper trek since your tour operator doesn’t need as many porters given the fact that camping equipment isn’t necessary.
Do you camp on the Marangu route?
The Marangu Route is the only route on Kilimanjaro that does not allow camping. Like it or not, you have to stay in the huts.
Mandara Huts: 60 climbers, 4 to 8 people per A-frame hut. There is a little shop which sells snacks, drinks, and sometimes, even beer.
Horombo Huts: 120 climbers, 4 to 8 people per A-frame hut. This camp is double the size of the others because most climbers spend two nights here.
Kibo Huts: 60 climbers, large dorms in a stone building. Due to the altitude, Kibo Huts only has a few amenities.
Apart from at Kibo Huts, you can expect quite a few bonuses at the camps. Communal dining halls, bathrooms, a kitchen hut, separate huts for the crew, solar power, and, at the lower huts even running water. You can also expect flush toilets at the huts. All-in-all, this makes the Marangu Route definitely the most comfortable route on Kilimanjaro..
How Hard is the Marangu Route?
The difficulty of Kilimanjaro climbing routes is hard to gauge and even harder to explain. There are different ways to get up Kilimanjaro and one route is more technical than the other. The Marangu Route is known for its more gradual ascents and descents, making it a good option for those who are less experienced with high-altitude trekking. The accommodations in huts provide a certain level of comfort compared to camping on other routes. However, the difficulty should not be measured in technical aspects but in terms of acclimatization.
In terms of acclimatization, the Marangu Route is pretty much the most difficult route. This especially applies when you choose the 5-day Marangu Route. Because of the straightforward approach, there is no opportunity to climb high and sleep low. This changes when you allow for a rest day at Hormbo Huts. This allows for an acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Ridge. This acclimatization makes the the 6-day Marangu Route your best and therefore easiest choice.
Marangu Route Itinerary: From Day to Day
Although there is a 5-day option for the Marangu Route, your chances of summiting will increase drastically if you opt for the 6-day alternative. This is also the more popular option. Your body will be grateful for the extra night at Horombo Huts. The total distance of the Marangu Route is approximately 72 kilometers or 45 miles round trip, starting from Marangu Gate to the summit and back. This route typically takes five to six days to complete
Day | Daily Activities |
1 | Arrival Day: From Kilimanjaro International Airport, we pick you up and transport you to the lodge. Your hike begins in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Marangu. The hotel is a short walk from the village’s bustling market and some excellent coffee shops. It is also very close to some beautiful waterfalls and ancient Chagga caves. Please make sure you are at the hotel by early evening, as your trip starts with a full briefing and kit inspection by an experienced Kilimanjaro climber. This will take place before dinner, usually around 6 pm. In the event that one of your fellow travellers is late, the meeting may have to be rescheduled for the following morning. |
2 | Mandara Hut : After a hearty breakfast, make your way to Marangu Gate, the entrance of the Mt Kilimanjaro National Park (1860 m) and meet your guides and porters. With introductions and assignment of porter loads taken care of, it’s time to embark on your trek. Commonly known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, the Marangu Route is the oldest track on Kilimanjaro. Look out for the resident wildlife and enjoy the vast landscape as you walk. |
3 | Horombo Hut : Your second day on the mountain involves another long hike over a slightly steeper stretch. The total distance from Mandara to the Horombo huts is 12 kilometres (approximately 5to 7 hours). Today you will see the rainforest give way to open and rolling alpine meadows dotted with giant heather trees. Once out of the forest canopy, the twin snow-tipped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi lie directly ahead. These are two of the three great cones of Kilimanjaro (the other being Shira). During the day’s walk we will traverse several ravines before reaching the hut, which is set in a rocky valley. There is time to enjoy a wide variety of vegetation and changing landscapes on the way to Horombo Hut (3780 metres). We will spend the next two nights here at the hut. |
4 | Horombo Hut: After breakfast, walk towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the unusual Zebra Rocks on the way. It’s a steep climb up a grassy slope, but well worth it: the views over the area towards Kibo are second-to-none. Afterwards, return to Horombo for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatising to the altitude, or ask your guides about short walks in the area. Take advantage of the rest day here and drink plenty of water – the next couple of days will be pretty intense! |
5 | Kibo Hut / Mawenzi Peak: Today you’ll walk the 10 kilometres or so from Horombo to Kibo Hut (approximately 5–7 hours). As the journey progresses you will notice the landscape gradually becoming more rugged and rocky, and the air noticeably thinner. We will have to soften our pace a little to accommodate these environmental changes. Marvel at giant groundsels and lobelias while you travel across the sparse moorland. Skirt Mawenzi Peak and marvel at the stark lunar landscape of the Saddle, reaching Kibo Hut in afternoon (4740 m), take the opportunity to have an early night in preparation for a very early (or late?) wake-up call. |
6 | Uhuru Peak / Horombo Hut: Your guides will wake you up at 11 pm and hot tea will be served. Prepare for the last leg of the trek – to the summit. The distance from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is six kilometres (approximately 6–8 hours), and the descent to Horombo will be approximately the same amount of time. The trek begins beneath the stars as you zigzag your way up a large scree slope, guided only by torch light, to reach Gilman’s Point (5685 m). With some luck, arrive in time for breathtaking views of the sun rising behind Mawenzi Peak. This is the stretch that most people find the hardest, and you should be prepared for a very cold morning. The dramatic spectacle of the sun rising over the ice fields of the crater will make the early start worthwhile. For those who still have the energy, it’s a further walk (approximately 2 hours) along the rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak (5896 m), the highest point in Africa. From here there are amazing views of the crater, ice fields and plains below. After photos and time to catch your breath, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest. |
7 | Marangu :Continue your descent through alpine meadows and rainforest to the park gate. The distance from Horombo to Marangu Gate is 20 kilometres (approximately 5–6 hours). Here your transport awaits and you will return to the hotel for a relaxing shower – a real treat after the physical exertions of the last few days! Over a celebratory meal we can relive and share our experiences of the past five days on the mountain. |
8 | Marangu : There are no activities or trekking planned for today. A transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or a shuttle to Nairobi can be arranged locally – please speak to your group leader about this at the welcome meeting. |
7 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – MARANGU ROUTE IN 5 DAYS
The 5 Days Marangu Route Itinerary is a popular trekking route for those looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The journey begins at Marangu Gate and takes trekkers through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and barren landscapes before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola” route, is considered the easiest path on the mountain, with a well-defined trail, equipped huts for accommodation, and a relatively gradual slope. However, the quick ascent means acclimatization can be a challenge, making this route have a lower success rate.
Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.
Day 2 : After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate at the south-east of the mountain. You’ll have about 4-5 hours walking through the lush rainforest before arriving at Mandara Hut, 2,700m.
Day 3: You’ll walk about 15 km today through changing vegetation. It’ll take 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut, 3,720m 3,720m
Day 4: From Horombo you’ll continue the climb, crossing The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Your destination is Kibo Hut, 4,703m. This will be a long and tiring day as altitude will start to tell. Expect to spend between 6 and 8 hours walking.
Day 5 : Summit day! You’ll be woken at around midnight for the 5-hour walk up steep scree to Gillman’s Point at 5,690m. There will be plenty of rest stops on the way. It’s another 1-2 hours around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Give yourself a few moments to enjoy your achievement before beginning the descent back to Horombo Hut, a descent of some 4-5 hours.
Day 6 : After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m, 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner.
Day 7 : Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward travels.
5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE PARK FEES
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
Camping fees | USD 60 per day |
Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
Tourism added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
Retail value tax added | 18% |
Total | USD 886.08 |
7 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – MARANGU ROUTE IN 5 DAYS – PRICES AND SERVICES
GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
1 person | $ 2,008/person |
2-4 people | $ 1,783/person |
5-9 people | $ 1,678/person |
10 & above | $ 1,650/person |
8 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – MARANGU ROUTE IN 6 DAYS
The 6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary is a popular trekking route for adventurers aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route and the only one that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations. The journey begins at Marangu Gate and takes trekkers through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, with the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The descent is also made via the Marangu Route. The trek is typically completed in 6 days, providing a challenging but achievable goal for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Day 1: On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you’ll be driven to the base hotel. This evening you’ll have a briefing where you’ll be given details about the forthcoming climb and have a chance to ask any questions.
Day 2: After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Marangu Gate at the south-east of the mountain. You’ll have about 4-5 hours walking through the lush rainforest before arriving at Mandara Hut, 2,700m.
Day 3: You’ll walk about 15 km today through changing vegetation. It’ll take 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut, 3,720m 3,720m
Day 4 : This is your acclimatization day. You can take an optional hike to Mawenzi Hut and then descend back to Horombo Hut, about 2-3 hours walking. This allows your body to get used to the effects of altitude and should increase your chance of success.
Day 5 : From Horombo you’ll continue the climb, crossing The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Your destination is Kibo Hut, 4,703m. This will be a long and tiring day as altitude will start to tell. Expect to spend between 6 and 8 hours walking.
Day 6 : Summit day! You’ll be woken at around midnight for the 5-hour walk up steep scree to Gillman’s Point at 5,690m. There will be plenty of rest stops on the way. It’s another 1-2 hours around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Give yourself a few moments to enjoy your achievement before beginning the descent back to Horombo Hut, a descent of some 4-5 hours.
Day 7 : After breakfast at Horombo you’ll continue down to the park gates a Marangu, 1,843m, 5-7 hours walking. Here you’ll be picked up and driven back to the base hotel. Check into your room and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower before a drink or two in the bar and a celebratory dinner.
Day 8 : Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your onward travels.
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE PARK FEES
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees | |
Conservation fees | USD 70 per day |
Camping fees | USD 60 per day |
Rescue fees | USD 20 per hiker |
Guide and porter entrance fees | USD 2 per supporting crew |
Tourism added tax ( VAT) | 18% |
Retail value tax added | 18% |
Total | USD 1047.09 |
8 DAYS CLIMBING KILIMANJARO – MARANGU ROUTE IN 6 DAYS – PRICES AND SERVICES
GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
1 person | $ 2,308/person |
2-4 people | $ 2,058/person |
5-9 people | $ 1,928/person |
10 & above | $ 1,750/person |
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in Standard Hotels on Twin Sharing Basis
- Equipment
- Local Guide & Support Staffs
- All Private Ground Transportation Including Airport Transfers
- Meals in the Mountain
- Lifetime Deposit
- No Booking Fee
- For Your Information, International flights, and Tanzania visas aren’t included. Rooms are usually shared by two people unless you request a private room. Also, you can upgrade to better hotels in the mountains and even in the cities. For your customized services.
Costs of additional services:
- Extra day on the Mountain costs $350 per person.
- Extra porter, for excess gear, $30 per day
- Extra hotel night in Moshi, check-in 11 AM, check out 10 AM, per double room $180
- Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware Lamina, synthetic -30F, per trip $50
- Trekking poles rental, telescopic, per trip $20
