Marangu Route – 7 Days / 6 Nights Kilimanjaro Trek
Overview
Also known as the "Coca Cola route" the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it the cheapest option). However, we strongly recommend hiking the route over 6 days to increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully. Note that this is the only route that provides communal sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight site. Some basic goods such as mineral water, beer and chocolates are also sold at most sites. The Marangu route takes the same route for both ascend and descend.
TOTAL PRICE FOR SOLO TRAVELLER $ 3304
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 2 PEOPLES $ 2062
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 3 PEOPLES $ 1913
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 4 PEOPLES $ 1869
PRICE PER PERSON SHARING FOR THE 6 PEOPLES $ 1804
Best Time to Visit:
Dec-Mid-March / Mid-June-October
Starts at:
$3,304.00 Per Person
Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro / Transfer to Marangu Gate
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by your expert Tanzanian guide and transferred to Moshi or Marangu area. After a welcome briefing covering the trek, safety tips, and equipment check, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through lush coffee farms, banana plantations, and traditional villages, offering your first glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s imposing slopes. Overnight accommodation will be at a comfortable hotel or lodge near Marangu Gate, allowing you to rest and acclimatize. Dinner will be a hearty, locally inspired meal to energize you for tomorrow’s ascent. In the evening, enjoy stargazing beneath Africa’s vast skies, preparing your mind for the adventure ahead. This day is about relaxation, orientation, and anticipation of the climb.
Day 2: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (Approx. 4–5 hours, 1,870m → 2,700m)
After breakfast, the trek officially begins at Marangu Gate, entering the dense rainforest, rich with moss-covered trees, ferns, and exotic birds. The trail gradually ascends through this lush environment, with frequent stops to enjoy forest views and photography opportunities. After a few hours of steady hiking, you will arrive at Mandara Hut, a charming mountain hut providing comfortable beds and hot meals, unique to the Marangu Route. The afternoon is spent exploring the nearby area, taking in views of the surrounding valleys and Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit. Your guide will conduct a short acclimatization walk, helping you adapt to the increasing altitude. Dinner is served early, and the evening is a chance to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s climb.
Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (Approx. 5–6 hours, 2,700m → 3,720m)
The trek continues as you leave the rainforest zone and enter the heath and moorland, marked by giant heathers and unique alpine plants. The trail offers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s eastern and western slopes, with glaciers visible in the distance, providing excellent photography opportunities. Lunch is served en route, and your guide emphasizes hydration and steady pacing to prevent altitude sickness. By afternoon, you will reach Horombo Hut, a larger hut surrounded by moorland with incredible views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Afternoon activities include a short acclimatization hike, stretching, and learning about the mountain’s ecology and geology. Dinner is served in the hut, followed by a briefing on summit preparations, ensuring all climbers are well-informed and ready for the challenge ahead.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Horombo Hut (Optional Trek to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi)
Today is an essential acclimatization day, designed to help your body adjust to the higher altitude before the summit attempt. You can undertake a short trek to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi ridge, providing incredible panoramic views, photo opportunities, and light exercise. The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating, and enjoying the dramatic alpine desert scenery surrounding Horombo Hut. Your guide will discuss summit strategies, pacing, and safety tips for the upcoming climb. Dinner is served early, with warm beverages to prepare for the midnight departure to Kibo Hut and the summit. This day ensures you are fully acclimatized, confident, and energized for the most critical stages of the trek.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (Approx. 5–6 hours, 3,720m → 4,700m)
The trail ascends gradually through alpine desert, with minimal vegetation and striking volcanic rock formations, highlighting the mountain’s dramatic environment. Along the way, your guide will point out glacial features, rare flora, and the changing landscape, offering insight into Kilimanjaro’s natural history. You will arrive at Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit, where tents or hut accommodations await. Afternoon is spent hydrating, eating high-energy meals, and resting, ensuring your body is ready for the midnight summit push. Your guide conducts a detailed briefing on clothing layers, equipment, and pacing for the ascent to Uhuru Peak. Dinner is served early, followed by a brief sleep before the challenging and rewarding climb.
Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut (Approx. 9–10 hours, 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m)
The summit day begins around midnight, trekking by headlamp through the cold, silent night toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The ascent is challenging but rewarding, with a spectacular sunrise over the African plains, creating unforgettable memories and photo opportunities. After reaching the summit, take time to celebrate, photograph, and reflect on your achievement. The descent begins carefully to Horombo Hut, passing dramatic ridges and valleys along the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo Hut provide comfort and relaxation, allowing your body to recover from the strenuous climb. This day offers the ultimate sense of accomplishment and awe at Kilimanjaro’s grandeur.
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Departure (Approx. 5–6 hours, 3,720m → 1,870m)
After a nutritious breakfast, complete your descent to Marangu Gate, passing through moorland and rainforest zones with scenic vistas and vibrant vegetation. Upon arrival, you will be presented with your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, a proud symbol of your achievement. Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha, reflecting on the incredible journey, breathtaking landscapes, and bonds formed with fellow climbers and guides. The drive offers picturesque views of villages, farms, and rivers, a gentle reintroduction to lowland life. Upon arrival, relax at your hotel or lodge, with optional spa services or celebratory meals. This concludes your Marangu Route adventure, leaving you with memories, stories, and photographs to last a lifetime.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- • All Taxes/VAT
- • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- • Park fees
- • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- • A professional driver/guide
- • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- • Roundtrip airport transfer
- • Camping Equipment
- • Drinking water on all days
- • Porterage
Exclusions
- • International flights (from/to home)
- • Sleeping Bag
- • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- • Alcoholic drinks
- • Rescue Fee
- • Climbing Gear
