Marangu Route

Tour Overview

The Marangu Route is the most established path up Kilimanjaro and the only one with hut accommodations, offering shelter and more comfort than camping routes. Often called the “Coca-Cola Route” because soft drinks are sold at some huts, it follows a gentle, direct path and retraces the same trail for both ascent and descent. It’s ideal for trekkers looking for a classic Kilimanjaro experience with fewer camping logistics.

Tour Type

Trekking

Place To visit

Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Summit

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FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts: 8.3km /5mi | 4-5 Hrs | Rainforest

After breakfast, you will leave Arusha or Moshi and drive to the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, known as Marangu Gate. After registration, your trek begins through lush rainforest filled with towering eucalyptus trees and the chance to spot black and white colobus monkeys. Be prepared for wet and muddy conditions as you climb. After 5 to 7 hours of hiking, you will arrive at MANDARA HUTS (Approx. 2,700 meters) for a hot dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

Today you will hike out of the rainforest and into open moorland with sweeping views of the mountain. As you ascend, you'll catch your first glimpses of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The trek today lasts 5 to 7 hours and ends at HOROMBO HUTS (Approx. 3,720 m), where you’ll have dinner and enjoy beautiful views of Kibo before settling in for the night.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts

This extra day is built in to help you acclimatize to the increasing altitude. You may rest at camp if you’re experiencing any symptoms of altitude sickness or feeling fatigued. For those feeling well, optional hikes are available to either Mawenzi Hut or the striking Zebra Rocks (a climb of about 310 meters). You will spend another night at HOROMBO HUTS (Approx. 4,400 meters after optional hikes).

Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts

Today you’ll leave the moorland behind and enter the alpine desert. The trail leads across a lunar landscape of volcanic rock between Mawenzi and Kibo. The hike to KIBO HUTS (Approx. 4,703 m) takes 5 to 7 hours and includes a steep final ascent. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest, prepare gear and clothing for the summit, and enjoy a hot meal before heading to bed early.

Day 5: Kibo Huts – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts

This is summit day! Around midnight, you’ll start the challenging trek to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m), with a goal of reaching the crater rim by sunrise. From there, it’s another steady climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend back to KIBO HUTS for a short break and lunch, then continue down to HOROMBO HUTS (Approx. 3,720 m) for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay.
Hiking Time: 12–16 hours total.

Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha/Moshi

On your final day, you’ll descend for 5 to 7 hours through the rainforest to Marangu Gate (Approx. 1,843 m). There, you’ll receive your summit certificates and say farewell to your mountain crew. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your lodge in Arusha or Moshi.

Book This Tour

Book This Tour