Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is the Kilimanjaro route with hut beds instead of tents. What to expect on the route, and our Marangu climbing packages.
Also on this route: 6 Days Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro climb
5 Days Marangu Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six main routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start from the south. Lemosho and Shira come in from the west. Rongai starts in the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The Marangu Route, often called the Coca Cola route, is popular for two reasons: you can do it in fewer days, and you sleep in permanent huts at each camp.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep, going up past Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Because the route is shorter and steeper, you get less time to acclimatize, and the summit success rate tends to be lower. It is also the only route where you go up and come down the same way, so the trail is busier.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts Distance 7km / miHiking 4-5 hrsZone Rainforest
From Moshi it is a 1-hour drive through Marangu village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for the permits, you can watch the busy scene as crews get ready for the climb. Then the walk starts, on winding paths through the rainforest, and your guide tells you about the plants and animals along the way. Low down, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly suggest gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft
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Day 2 Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts Distance 11km / 3miHiking 6-8hrsZone Mooreland
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast, we leave the rain forest behind and climb through heathland. Watch for giant lobelias and groundsels. Higher up, the path crosses open moorland where small shrubs are most of what grows. Lunch is about halfway, with good views of Mawenzi. You reach the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, with the Kibo summit above you. It starts to get colder.
- Elevation
- 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft
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Day 3 Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts Distance 10km / 6miHiking 6-8hrsZone Semi-Desert
After breakfast, the heathland thins out and turns into bare, rocky ground, almost like the moon, as you reach the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. At lunch, and later as you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you get a good look at the summit climb up Kibo. You will start it in just a few hours.
- Elevation
- 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft
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Day 4 Kibo Huts – Summit – Horombo Huts Distance 4km / 2.5 mi up; 14km / 9mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ftYou start very early, between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the hardest part of the trek, both for your body and your head.
The path zigzags up toward the summit. Try to stay warm and keep your mind on the goal. We climb through deep scree, and maybe snow, to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You take a short rest here and watch the sun rise over the mountain. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit instead. On the last 1 hour up to Uhuru Peak, expect snow most of the way.
Well done. Step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
There is time for photos, a celebration and maybe a few happy tears. Then we start the steep descent back to Kibo Huts for lunch and a very short rest, and carry on down to Horombo Huts. The ground is loose gravel and volcanic ash, so we strongly suggest gaiters and trekking poles. You have earned a good rest on your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Horombo Huts.
- Elevation
- 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,341ft
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Day 5 Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi Distance 18km / 11miHiking 6-7hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast, you and your crew get together for a small thank-you ceremony before saying goodbye. We keep going down and stop at the Mandara Huts for lunch. This is where you leave your guides, cooks and porters, so remember to tip them here. Back at the Marangu Park Gate, you collect your summit certificate. It is much warmer down here, and the path is wet, muddy and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles help a lot. A vehicle meets you at the gate and drives you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Then it is time for a hot shower, dinner and a celebration.
- Elevation
- 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Marangu Route
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