Trip Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations instead of camping. This 5-day trek is ideal for climbers who want a short, moderately paced climb with a summit attempt on the 4th day. The route passes through lush rainforest, the Moorland and Alpine desert zones, and culminates at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m.
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for beginners with good fitness.
Best Season: January–March & June–October
Details Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
- Distance & Duration: 8 km / 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 1,870 m → 2,700 m
- Route & Highlights:
- Meet your guides and porters at Marangu Gate.
- Begin trekking through the lush rainforest, spotting exotic birds and giant ferns.
- Arrive at Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop.
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut (dormitory style)
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Notes: Relax and acclimatize to the altitude; early bedtime recommended.
Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
- Distance & Duration: 12 km / 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 2,700 m → 3,720 m
- Route & Highlights:
- Trek through Heather and Moorland zones, where vegetation transitions to alpine species.
- Stop for photos at scenic points.
- Arrive at Horombo Hut, a key acclimatization stop.
- Accommodation:Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Notes: Short afternoon walks around Horombo help with acclimatization.
Day 3: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
- Distance & Duration: 10 km / 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,720 m → 4,700 m
- Route & Highlights:
- Trek through the alpine desert zone.
- Views of Kibo Peak and the crater rim.
- Arrive at Kibo Hut, prepare for the summit push.
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Notes: Early dinner and rest; summit attempt begins around midnight.
Day 4: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut
- Distance & Duration: 17 km / 12–14 hours
- Altitude: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
- Route & Highlights:
- Midnight departure for the summit.
- Trek through the alpine desert under stars.
- Reach Gilman’s Point (~5,685 m) for sunrise over the crater rim.
- Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
- Accommodation:Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Notes: Summit day is very strenuous; take plenty of water and snacks.
Day 5: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Transfer
- Distance & Duration: 20 km / 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,720 m → 1,870 m
- Route & Highlights:
- Descend through Moorland and Rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate.
- Collect your summit certificate at Marangu Gate.
- Transfer to Moshi/Arusha for onward travel or overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Notes: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy a hot shower and meal after the trek.
