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
If you’ve arranged for the optional airport transfer, we will pick you up from either Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi. This day is dedicated to a pre-trek briefing, where we’ll go over important information about the climb and review your gear. If you need to rent any equipment, this will be the time to do so. We recommend arriving at least one day before the trek to ensure you're fully prepared.
After breakfast and a final briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour). Once we’ve registered, we’ll begin the climb. The first section takes you through lush rainforest towards Mandara Hut. Along the way, consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater, which offers great views of the surrounding area, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. As you trek through the rainforest, you’ll spot towering Eucalyptus trees, various bird species, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Leaving the rainforests behind, we ascend onto the open moorlands towards Horombo Hut. Along the way, you'll be treated to magnificent views of Mawenzi and Kibo, the two main peaks of Kilimanjaro. As you walk, watch for giant lobelias and groundsels, unique plants that thrive in the high-altitude environment. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude at this stage.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today we’ll pass the last watering point before making our way across the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape shifts from the heathland to an alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and vast, barren stretches. Kibo Hut, where we’ll spend the night, is the final stop before the summit. After dinner, we’ll rest and prepare for the 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
We’ll start the summit climb very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am. The route to the summit is steep and covered with scree or snow, and it’s a challenging climb to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. From there, we’ll continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The views are incredible at every stage. Once at the summit, take some time to celebrate and capture your moment with a photograph. Afterward, we’ll descend, taking a rest and having lunch at Kibo before continuing back down to Horombo Hut.
- 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’ll begin our descent back to Mandara Hut, passing through the moorland. From there, we’ll continue down the lush rainforest trail to the National Park gate at Marangu. The lower elevation can often be wet and muddy, so wearing gaiters and using trekking poles will help keep you steady. Comfortable clothing like shorts and t-shirts should be sufficient, though it's always a good idea to carry rain gear and warmer layers.
A vehicle will be waiting at the Marangu gate 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
