Marangu Route

Budget Safari

Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular route up Kilimanjaro because it can be completed in fewer days and features permanent sleeping huts at its campsites.

  • Summit Night: The ascent from Kibo Hut is steep, passing Gilman’s Point before reaching Uhuru Peak.

  • Challenges: This route has a steeper incline and less acclimatization time, which may lead to a lower summit success rate.

  • Traffic: Marangu is the only route where ascent and descent share the same trail, often resulting in more traffic on the path.

It’s ideal for trekkers seeking a shorter, hut-based experience, but less suitable for those prioritizing high summit success and gradual acclimatization.

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Day by Day summary

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Itinerary Details

DAY-BY-DAY

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Day 1 |

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our representative. You will then be transferred to your pre-arranged accommodation in Moshi town, where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

Lunch
Dinner
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Day 2 |

Day 2

Moshi – Marangu Gate

Moshi – Marangu Gate

After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you will drive to Marangu Gate (1,870 m). Upon arrival, you will complete registration, pay the necessary fees, and finalize your trekking preparations.

Your climb begins as you trek through dense semi-tropical rainforest toward Mandara Hut (2,750 m), where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 11 km

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Day 3 |

Day 3

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

After an early breakfast, you will continue your ascent through alpine meadows, grasslands, and moorlands, gradually making your way to Horombo Hut at 12,000 ft. Along the route, enjoy spectacular views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll have dinner and rest for an overnight stay.

Trekking time: 6 hours
Distance: 11 km

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Day 4 |

Day 4

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut

On the 6-day itinerary, you’ll spend an extra day at Horombo Hut to aid acclimatization, which greatly improves your chances of a successful summit. You’ll take a hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rock, enjoying stunning views and unique landscapes. After returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll have lunch, rest, and then enjoy dinner with an overnight stay.

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Moir Hut

Day 5 |

Day 5

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

After breakfast, you’ll continue ascending to Kibo Hut at 15,000 feet. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with rocky and eroded paths. Along the way, you’ll pass spectacular mountain vegetation, including giant cacti, groundsels, and lobelias, creating a surreal high-altitude landscape. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, enjoy dinner and rest, preparing for the final summit push.

Trekking time: 4–8 hours
Distance: 10 km

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Day 6 |

Day 6

Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

You’ll wake up at midnight for a light snack and coffee before starting your final ascent to the summit. The trek from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s Point (18,640 ft) takes about 5–6 hours, with steep switchbacks and cold, windy conditions. From Gilman’s Point, it’s another 1–2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) — the highest point in Africa.

Arriving at the summit in the early morning, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the continent — a truly unforgettable moment. After celebrating and taking photos, begin your descent back to Horombo Hut, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned rest.

Trekking time: 9–12 hours
Distance: 16 km

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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Day 7 |

Day 7

Marangu – Moshi Town

Marangu – Moshi Town

Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, savoring the final moments of your Kilimanjaro adventure. As you make your way down through the lush rainforest, take in the sights and sounds of the mountain one last time. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before being driven back to Moshi town or Arusha.

This concludes your 6-day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route trek — a remarkable journey to Africa’s highest peak. Take time to relax, celebrate your success, and reflect on your accomplishment before your return flight or an optional wildlife safari extension to Tanzania’s world-renowned parks.

Breakfast
Lunch

Make it yours

TAILORMAKE THIS ITINERARY TO YOUR EXACT WISHES

We've got you covered

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including all transfers.

INCLUDES

Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Transfer to the trailhead – entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel.
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park
One night at the hotel before the expedition and one night after.
Hut accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Breakfast in the hotel before the hike and after.
All meals on the hike (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment
Emergency Oxygen cylinders and Oximeters
Complete medical kits
Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.
A certificate documenting your summit conquest.

EXCLUDES

Local airfares, International airfares and departure taxes.
International Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival or online
lcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Personal Trekking Gears
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
Tips for guides 100$, cooks 85$ and porters 50$ per entire trip.

Sample itineraries

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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including all transfers.

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Marangu Route

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