Trip overview
The Marangu Route, also called the Tourist or Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular and easiest path to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, favored by about 70% of climbers. While the route features relatively gentle hiking, the final summit stretch remains challenging, and many climbers struggle without proper preparation.
Although it can be completed in five days, adding an extra day at Horombo Hut—Kilimanjaro’s only campsite with beds and mattresses—is recommended to improve acclimatization and summit success.
Tour Highlights
- Hut accommodation instead of camping
- Gentler and easier path compared to many other routes
- Panoramic views from the Saddle, a striking high-altitude desert
Marangu route map
Itinerary
5 days Marangu route
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. Upon arrival, you will meet your mountain guide who will brief you on the upcoming trek and conduct a full equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day. You will spend the night at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing time to rest and prepare for the climb.
- Driving distance: 55 km
- Driving time: Approximately 1 hour
- Habitat: Cultivated zone
- Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast
DAY 1 - MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT
You’ll be picked up from your Moshi or Arusha accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.
You’ll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts, which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You won’t be seeing those again anytime soon!
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 - MANDARA HUT - HOROMBO HUT
You’ll set off bright and early today, as you’ve got a long day of hiking ahead of you! Today’s hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as you’ll cover more than 11 kilometres on your way to the Maundi Crater. If the weather is clear, you’ll find stunning views of Kibo Glacier from here before settling down for the evening.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - HOROMBO HUT - KIBO HUT
It’s another big day of hiking today, as you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut to set up camp ahead of your summit attempt.
Climbing almost 1,000m, you’ll pass your last watering point at the 4,130m mark before arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon.
Remember to drink plenty of water during your early dinner, as you’ll be up bright and early tomorrow to begin your ascent to the summit!
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it
You’ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Glacier/Moorland
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE - MOSHI
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.
It’s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.
Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast
Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Parkview Inn
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 2- way private airport transfers
- Oxygen cylinder
- Oximeter
Excluded
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance
