Climb Kilimanjaro
Marangu Route Duration – 6 Days
Your Path to the Summit of Kilimanjaro
Known affectionately as the “Coca-Cola route,” the Marangu route is a favourite among hikers aiming to reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many choose this route for its reputation as the easiest path to Uhuru Peak. It’s the most budget-friendly choice, with the option to complete the trek in five days. It’s the only route offering cosy accommodation in charming A-frame huts.
What truly sets the Marangu route apart is its comfort. At every overnight stop, communal sleeping huts equipped with beds and mattresses are available. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and chocolates are also available at most sites to make your climb even more enjoyable.
The Marangu route uses the same path for both ascent and descent, providing a familiar and well-trodden trail. Embrace the adventure and comfort of the Marangu route as you journey to the top of Africa’s highest peak.
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Trip Duration:
6 days
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Route:
Marangu
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Your Day to Day Itinerary
All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.
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Elevation:
1,860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
8km/5mi -
Habitat:
Montane Forest
Your adventure begins bright and early at 8 am, leaving Moshi/Arusha for Marangu Gate. Once you’ve completed the gate registration, your Kilimanjaro trek officially starts. You’ll follow a narrow trail through the lush rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike.
Around midday, take a break for a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, the halfway point for the day. After lunch, continue your journey through the enchanting rainforest until you reach Mandara Hut.
Upon arrival, you can relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Maundi Crater. On a clear day, the views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest towards Mawenzi Peak are stunning, making the short hike well worth it.
The cosy A-frame Mandara Huts can accommodate up to seventy people. They include several sleeping huts and a dining area. Each hut is equipped with beds and mattresses, ensuring a comfortable night’s rest.
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Elevation:
1,860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft -
Climb Time:
3-4 hours -
Distance:
8km/5mi -
Habitat:
Montane Forest
After breakfast, you’ll leave Mandara Hut behind and venture out of Kilimanjaro’s forests, heading towards Horombo Hut. This day’s hike takes you through the striking moorland, characterized by its rocky landscape and desert-like plants.
Midway through your journey, stop for a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu. As you continue on, if the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
You will arrive at Horombo Hut around 3 pm, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. Despite being extremely busy, Horombo Huts is considered the nicest in Kilimanjaro. These small, A-frame buildings accommodate up to eight people each, providing lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatizing. Horombo can accommodate up to one hundred hikers and numerous porters, cooks, and guides.
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Elevation:
3,720 m/12,200 ft to 4,600 m/15,100 ft -
Climb Time:
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Distance:
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Habitat:
Arctic
Day three is dedicated to acclimatization. To maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, we suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut. This trek helps your body adjust to the altitude and rewards you with magnificent views of Kibo.
After reaching Mawenzi Hut, you’ll return to Horombo Hut for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to relax and recharge at Horombo, enjoying the camaraderie and stunning surroundings. This acclimatization day is crucial for a successful and enjoyable climb to the Summit.
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Elevation:
3,720m/12,200ft to 4,750m/15,580ft -
Climb Time:
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Distance:
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Habitat:
Arctic
After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you’ll hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. About an hour into your trek, you’ll arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream.
Beyond the Maua River, the terrain flattens, and vegetation disappears. You’ll break for lunch at Middle Red Hill before continuing on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle.
Though the environment on the way to Kibo is a stark desert with sparse vegetation, the stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks make the journey worthwhile. You’ll reach Kibo Hut around 3
pm, where you can rest and prepare for your midnight climb to the Summit.
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Elevation:
4,750m/15,580ft to 5,895m/19,340ft to 3,720m/12,200ft -
Climb Time:
- -
Distance:
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Habitat:
Arctic
Around midnight, you’ll wake up for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five-hour climb to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it remains challenging. The first major rest stop is William’s Point, at 5,000 meters, approximately a two-hour hike from Kibo Hut.
Continue for another thirty minutes before starting the rocky switchbacks leading to Gillman’s Point at 5,681 meters. From Gillman’s Point, the hike to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb, not technically challenging but made exhausting by the altitude. This portion takes about two hours.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, celebrate with photos of your guide and group at the Summit. Then, begin your descent to Horombo Hut. As you descend, you’ll enjoy all the magnificent views you missed in the dark. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing to Horombo Hut. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain, reflecting on your incredible achievement.
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Elevation:
3,720m/12,200ft to Marangu Gate 1,800m/5,905ft -
Climb Time:
- -
Distance:
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Habitat:
Arctic
After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your trek, descending to Marangu Gate. This last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful journey through the enchanting cloud forest. Be mindful of your footing during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, our vehicles will wait to take you back to Moshi/Arusha. Here, you can purchase t-shirts and sodas to celebrate your successful climb. Enjoy the memories of your incredible adventure as you return to civilization.