The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most affordable way to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike other routes, it offers the convenience of sleeping huts at every camp, complete with solar lighting and comfortable beds, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking a bit more comfort on their journey.
The huts are shared by climbers, and each bunk comes with a sponge mattress and pillow for a restful sleep. Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 beds, while Horombo Hut offers 120 beds. While bathrooms and running water are available at the lower camps, the latrines at the final camp are basic, with separate facilities for men and women.
Meals are served in communal dining huts, creating a lively and social atmosphere where climbers from around the world come together to share their experiences.
Typically completed in 5 days, the Marangu Route is the fastest way to the summit. However, it can be extended to 6 days to allow for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent relaxing at Horombo Hut or taking a detour to climb the smaller peak of Mawenzi.
Itinerary
After a hearty breakfast and briefing, we’ll drive about one hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to register and begin the climb. The journey starts with a trek through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut. Along the way, you may choose to take a side trip to Maundi Crater, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look out for towering Eucalyptus trees, colorful birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Today, you’ll leave the rainforest behind and climb through the open moorlands toward the Horombo Hut. The vistas of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are breathtaking. As you ascend, keep an eye out for giant lobelias and groundsels, plants unique to high-altitude environments. You may start feeling the effects of the altitude as you near Horombo Hut.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is a rest day at Horombo Hut, designed to help you acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can relax and take in the surroundings, or opt for a short, optional hike up Mawenzi Peak for some extra adventure and scenic views.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 0km/0mi
- Hiking Time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a restful day, we continue our ascent towards Kibo Hut. You will pass the last watering point and cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation changes from heathland to a more barren, alpine desert landscape. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, we will rest, have dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Our summit attempt starts very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am. We’ll climb steep scree or snow towards Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. From there, we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views are truly spectacular, and reaching the summit will be a memorable moment. After celebrating and taking pictures, we begin our descent, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing back to Horombo Hut for the night.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft, then down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, we begin our descent from Horombo Hut, first passing through moorland and then descending through lush forest to the Marangu gate. The trail can be muddy and wet at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. You’ll probably want to wear light clothing like shorts and a t-shirt, but be sure to have rain gear and warmer layers handy. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
