It is known as “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast of the Mountain. It is the oldest established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest route on the mountain. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time is a bit low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended, maximizing the chance of reaching to the summit. Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.

6 Days Marangu Route

PLACES-VISITED: Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Zebra Rocks, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak

View full itinerary

Route Map

Highlights

  • Experience the classic ascent of Kilimanjaro on the renowned Marangu Route. It is available in both a swift five-day and a more comfortable six-day itinerary.
  • Trek through a diverse range of environments, from lush rainforests to the lunar-like summit.
  • Stay in cozy huts along the trail, offering a unique and community-driven experience.
  • Enjoy shorter hiking days and plenty of time for relaxation.
  • Encounter local Chagga people and learn about their traditions and customs.

Trip Itinerary

View full itinerary

Elevation: 1200 m to 1,750 m to 2,750 m
Distance: 9 km
Trekking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest


You will be transferred to Marangu gate from the hotel and do a registration at the gate. Afterwards, you will begins trekking through the rainforest to Mandara hut. Here you will have an acclimatization opportunity of visiting Maundi Crater. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Elevation:2750 m to 3,807 m
Distance:13km.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorlands


After breakfast you will out climb the rainforest and continue trekking to Horombo hut where you will trek through rolling moorlands and get your first clear view of towering Kilimanjaro, dinner and overnight at horombo hut.

(this day is omitted if choosing a 5 day itinerary).
Spend an extra day here at Horombo during the 6 day itinerary for acclimization purposes. This day you will hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rock to have your body adjust to higher altitudes. After this session you will return back to Horombo hut for lunch, resting until dinner and overnight.

Elevation(m):3807m to 4725m
Distance: 13 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Desert


After a good night rest and breakfast you will trek past the last water point to reach saddle area, a great desert between the two peaks Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and overnight at Kibo hut.

Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.


Wake up at midnight to a light breakfast then prepare for your summit ascent. Because you will climb to the summit in the dark you will need to have your headlamps / flashlights. It will also be very cold until you start descending, so you will need to have all of your warm layers. This is an important time to keep on slowly slowly (pole pole in Swahili). The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 4 and 6 AM. At this point, you will have a views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 2 hours of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak here you will spend some times for taking photo’s. After your summit photos and taking in the view, descend back to the Kibo Huts, have lunch, rest, collect your equipment and continue down through re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Camp.

Elevation): 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

After a long sleep you will be awaked for breakfast and pack, continue your descent through the moorland to Mandara Huts. Here you will have lunch then proceed your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to Marangu park gate. After the gate sign out, a vehicle will take you to back to the hotel where it is definitely time for your certificate presentation and celebration!

Trips you might also like

Travel Style
Climbing
Operating Months
June, July, August, September, October
8 days
Price On request
Travel Style
Climbing
Operating Months
June, July, August, September, October
6 days
Price On request
Travel Style
Climbing
Operating Months
June, July, August, September, October
7 days
Price On request

Our Award-Winning Journeys

We're honored to be recognized as one of the world's best safari outfitters by Travel + Leisure, top travel specialists.

We're honored to be recognized as one of the world's best safari outfitters by Travel + Leisure, top travel specialists.

We're honored to be recognized as one of the world's best safari outfitters by Travel + Leisure, top travel specialists.

We're honored to be recognized as one of the world's best safari outfitters by Travel + Leisure, top travel specialists.

At Safaris in Tanzania, we are deeply honoured to have received prestigious awards that recognize our commitment to providing exceptional safari experiences. These accolades inspire us to continually raise the bar. Additionally, our partnerships with renowned conservation organizations reflect our commitment to wildlife preservation, ensuring that every journey with us contributes to the conservation efforts that make Tanzania's destinations so extraordinary.