Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route
6 Days / 5 Nights - The Classic "Coca-Cola Route" with Huts
Route Overview
The Marangu Route, nicknamed the "Coca-Cola Route," is the oldest and most established path up Kilimanjaro. It's the only route offering hut accommodation instead of camping, making it popular with climbers seeking a bit more comfort.
Our 6-day itinerary includes a crucial acclimatization day at Horombo Huts, significantly improving summit success rates. The gradual ascent profile and extra day help your body adjust to altitude.
Success Rate: Approximately 75% with our 6-day program (vs. 50% on 5-day routes). Unique Features: Sleeping huts with beds, dining halls, and the only route with up and down on same path.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,870m to 2,700m | Distance: 8km | Time: 4-5 hours
Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for registration and permit checks. Begin trekking through lush tropical rainforest with excellent chances of spotting blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The well-maintained trail leads to Mandara Hut, which has dormitory-style accommodation and a dining hall.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m | Distance: 12km | Time: 6-8 hours
Trek out of the rainforest into the moorland zone. The landscape opens up with spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Pass the last water point. Horombo Hut is a larger complex with great views, solar lighting, and multiple accommodation blocks.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,300m to 3,720m | Distance: 10km | Time: 4-6 hours
Critical acclimatization day! Hike to Zebra Rocks (4,300m) for lunch with stunning views, then return to Horombo for overnight. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy greatly improves your summit chances. Spend afternoon resting and hydrating.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m | Distance: 10km | Time: 6-8 hours
Trek through the alpine desert zone - a lunar-like landscape with little vegetation. Pass "The Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Early dinner at 18:00, then rest before midnight wake-up call.
Day 5: Summit Day - Uhuru Peak & Descend to Horombo
Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m to 3,720m | Distance: 21km | Time: 12-15 hours
Start at midnight. Ascend steep scree slope to Gilman's Point (5,681m) on crater rim at sunrise. Continue along crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! After summit photos, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m | Distance: 20km | Time: 5-7 hours
Final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your official summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for hot shower and celebration!
Included
- Professional mountain guide
- Assistant guides (1:2 ratio)
- Cook & support crew
- Porters for equipment
- All park fees & permits
- Rescue fees & camping fees
- 3 meals daily on mountain
- Hut accommodation (beds)
- Drinking water on trek
- Oxygen & first aid kit
- Pre & post trek hotel
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa ($50-100)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Sleeping bag rental ($30)
- Trekking poles rental ($15)
- Tips for crew ($250-300pp)
- Personal clothing & gear
- Snacks & energy bars
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra accommodation
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
- Hut Accommodation: Sleep in bunk beds with mattresses instead of tents
- Dining Halls: Eat meals in communal dining areas
- Gradual Ascent: Gentler slope compared to other routes
- Acclimatization Day: Extra day at Horombo increases success rate
Starting from
$2,349
per person
Success Rate: ~75%
The only route with hut accommodation and an established classic path.
Group discounts available. Contact us for custom dates and pricing.
Climb the Classic Route to the Roof of Africa
Experience Kilimanjaro with the comfort of hut accommodation on the historic Marangu Route