The Marangu route is the oldest path used by climbers to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the southeastern side of the mountain and takes approximately one hour to drive from Moshi town to the Marangu Gate. This route leads to Mandara Hut and Horombo Hut, and then ascends northward to Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters, which serves as the base campsite. Kibo Hut offers both hut and campsite accommodations, similar to Horombo Hut.
The Marangu route is the only path on Mount Kilimanjaro that provides hut accommodations, making it known as the "Coca-Cola Route" due to its perceived comfort and accessibility. This route is often considered luxurious compared to others, providing a more comfortable climbing experience.
The summit attempt is made from Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters in the early morning hours, often coinciding with a full moon. This area is the coldest and windiest part of the trek. However, once the sun rises, climbers can remove most of their extra layers. After reaching the summit, the descent follows back to Kibo Hut and then to Horombo Hut, marking the beginning of the end of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro as you prepare for your next adventure. For Complete Itinerary and Details for the 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Marangu Route, click the link below.
DAY-1 : MOSHI TOWN TO MARANGU GATE.
Starting elevation 900m Moshi Town
Ending elevation 1820m Marangu Gate
Altitude change 920m
Driving distance 45kms
Driving hours 1 hour
In the morning, after breakfast, we will depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate. Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate, we will complete the registration and payment confirmation before starting our hike.
There may be a slight delay as the team of guides, chefs, and porters prepares for the trek. They need to sort out all the equipment that will be used on the mountain over the six days, except for meals, as we will have fresh food brought from town after three days on the mountain. The preparation time can take an average of 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of climbers that day.
MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Starting elevation 1820m Marangu gate
Ending elevation 2720m Mandara Hut
Altitude change 1100m
Trekking distance 8kms
Walking hours 3-4hours
Overnight hut Mandara hut
After registration and once the team is ready for the hike, we will all begin our trek toward Mandara Hut as we depart from Marangu Gate. Soon, we will enter the rainforest, where we can admire towering eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and colobus monkeys.
At these lower elevations, the terrain can be wet and muddy, as it is indeed a rainforest. Therefore, gaiters and trekking poles may be helpful. While shorts and t-shirts should be sufficient for the hike, it’s essential to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy each day.
At Mandara Hut, the team will prepare hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to warm you up. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to take a short walk to Maundi Crater, which offers stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya, as well as Lake Challa, situated along the border between Tanzania and Kenya.
DAY-2 : MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
Starting elevation 2720m Mandara Hut
Ending elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 12kms
Walking hours 6-7hours
Overnight hut Horombo Hut
From Mandara Hut, the team will begin hiking for about an hour through small rainforest glades. Afterward, we will follow an ascending path through the heather zone, where we can find giant groundsels (Senecio) and lobelias, along with many other endemic plants unique to this area.
Depending on the distance and individual preferences, tourists can choose to either continue to Horombo Hut for a hot lunch or have a picnic lunch along the way to eat whenever they feel hungry. If tourists are fit enough, we recommend continuing slowly to Horombo Hut to enjoy a hot lunch there. However, it is important to note that symptoms such as headaches and vomiting can often begin in this area (around Horombo Hut).
At this point, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the summit—provided the clouds are not obstructing the sight. As we continue up into the open moorlands, small shrubs become the dominant vegetation, offering remarkable views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
DAY-3 : ACCLIMATIZATION DAY TO ZEBRA ROCK
Starting elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Ending elevation 4120m Zebra Rock
Altitude change 500m
Trekking distance 5kms
Walking hours 4-5hours up and down
Overnight hut Horombo Hut
This is a special day for those who have chosen to add an extra day for acclimatization, which can significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit. After breakfast, we will embark on a 4- to 5-hour trek to the Zebra Rocks, located at an altitude of 4,120 meters.
The distinctive black and white stripes of the rock formation give it its name, as they are caused by mineral salts present in the rock. Upon returning to Horombo Hut, a hot lunch will be waiting for you. You can then relax for the rest of the day to regain your strength in preparation for the hike the following day, which will bring you closer to fulfilling your dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
DAY-4 : HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
Starting elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Ending elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 9kms
Walking hours 4-5hours
Overnight hut Kibo Hut
This is a wonderful day, long and challenging. The nearly vegetation-less plateau leads us to the main summit, where the terrain becomes steep. However, we are rewarded with our first sight of some of the famous "cones" of Mount Kilimanjaro: both Kibo and Mawenzi.
After crossing the Maua River, we will ascend toward the barren, dry terrain known as The Saddle. We will head for the huts located at the base of Kibo's summit in preparation for our midnight departure to the summit. Kibo Huts, constructed from stone and wood, provide basic accommodations for climbers. These huts serve as a crucial resting point, allowing trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude before the final push to Uhuru Peak.
DAY-5 : KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK
Starting elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Ending elevation 5895M
Altitude change 1175m
Trekking distance 7 kms
total time to be used to uhuru peak 6 - 8.5 hours
From Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point is the most mentally and physically challenging part of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. However, reaching this goal will provide a great sense of achievement, reminding you that this is your Kilimanjaro experience—make the most of it. The typical departure time for this hike is around midnight.
We will start our hike with a long and tough climb from Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters to Gilman's Point at 5,681 meters. This ascent can be quite difficult, but once we reach Gilman's Point, the hardest part will be behind us. While Gilman's Point marks the top of the ridge, it is not the highest point on the mountain; that honor belongs to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (Uhuru means "freedom"). Before reaching Uhuru Peak, we will pass Stella Point at 5,720 meters, which serves as a junction point from Barafu.
From Gilman's Point, it becomes easier to reach Uhuru Peak. This final stretch typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, allowing you to fulfill your dream and exclaim, "Wow! I made it to Kilimanjaro!"—the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the peak of Africa.
It is important not to stay at Uhuru Peak for too long, as acute mountain sickness can affect climbers after reaching the summit. A recommended time of 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos before heading back down.
After leaving Uhuru Peak, we will descend back to Kibo Hut via the same route. This descent typically takes 3 to 4 hours, where we will take a short break at Kibo Hut before having lunch and then continuing our hike down to Horombo Hut.
KIBO HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
Starting elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Ending elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 9kms
Walking hours 2-3hours
Overnight hut Horombo Hut
After enjoying a nice little rest and having breakfast or lunch, we will gather our belongings and prepare to head to Horombo Hut. Here, we will have dinner and enjoy some well-deserved sleep.
It is important to note that you should avoid staying too long at Kibo Hut after the summit attempt at 4,720 meters, as the high altitude can increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). A stay of 1 to 2 hours is sufficient before the team calls you for the next shift to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, where the air is fresher and more conducive to recovery.
DAY-6 : HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
Starting elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Ending elevation 1820M Marangu Gate
Altitude change 1900m
Trekking distance 20kms
Walking hours 5-7hours
Overnight hut Moshi town/Arusha
The great day has finally arrived! Today, we will trek through the moorland zone until we reach Mandara Huts, then continue through the lush rainforest, where various species of monkeys and the endemic Impatiens kilimanjari flower thrive.
Upon arriving at the Marangu Gate, we will need to sign out. All successful climbers will receive a certificate of completion from the national park. Climbers who reach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters) and Stella Point (5,720 meters) will receive green certificates, while those who reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) will be awarded gold certificates.
After receiving your certificate, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can finally enjoy that long-awaited hot shower and a well-deserved celebration. This is also a great time to express your appreciation to the team by handling tips for the guides, chefs, and porters who supported you throughout the climb.
From here, we will assist you with plans for your next destination, whether it's heading to the airport for your return flight or embarking on an exciting safari tour to explore more of Tanzania’s breathtaking natural wonders. The adventure doesn’t have to end here—there’s so much more to discover in this beautiful country!
The tourist will have to pay $1865.00(P/P) price based on 2 person include the following services as it listed on the table below. for any query please call us or send us a message for clarifications from our team. Book This Package Now
Airport pickup on arrival and return on departure time .
2 Nights hotels, meaning full one before climb and after climb.
All transfers to the mountain and back to Moshi town.
Professional, experienced, mountain guides, cookers, and porters
Guides, Porters, and Cooker salaries.
waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis).
Sleeping Mattress. (Not via Marangu route)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder.
Three meals on Mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Purified or Boilled drinking water while on the Mountain.
Mess tents with tables and outdoor chairs.
VAT (18% ) and All government fees.
Tanzania Visa.
Hotels and Transfers (available as an optional add-on).
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for rent in here Tanzania too; don't stress if you forget some of the trekking equipment).
Tips and gratuities (Recommended Tipping Amount Per Day; Head guide $20++; Ass.Guide $18++;, cooker $15++;, Summit Porter $12++;, Waiter $12++;,
Porter $10++;).
Portable flush toilet with the toilet tent as an add-on, please see we will need you to pay an extra 150$ per toilet.
Travel insurance.
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.).
Meals not listed in the itinerary.
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages.
Lemosho is extremely beautiful and offers a partly untouched landscape as well as varied flora and fauna. Also for the best successful climb.
Machame Route is the second most popular route to summit Mt.Kili after the Lemosho route, the route approaches from south-west.
Marangu route is widely known as a Coca-Cola route due to its easiest and comfortability, the only way offer hut and beds on the mountain.
The Rongai route the easiest route and best during the rainy season since it receives less rainfall compared to other routes.
The Shira route starts relatively high above sea level and is, therefore, a less frequented route as it offers the poorest acclimatization.
Umbwe route is the very Challenging and hardest route to Mount Kili, It is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be accomplished via several routes, including the Lemosho route, which typically takes 7 days, and the Marangu route, which can be completed in 5 days. Other routes, such as Shira, Rongai, Machame, and Umbwe, generally require around 6 days. Many climbers face time constraints, leading them to choose shorter itineraries. While some clients may prioritize cost savings, this is less common. Most of those who choose to pick fewer days have a time limit and have no choice other than to select a shorter hike.
A significant number of climbers make poor choices due to inadequate information regarding the importance of acclimatization protocols and their impact on summit success rates. Some individuals are physically fit but are eager to test their limits without spending excessive time on the mountain. It is crucial to recognize that each climber assumes their own risks regarding the challenges and potential failures in reaching their destination. However, the experience of climbing should be enjoyed from the entrance gate to the summit, not solely focused on reaching the top of Kilimanjaro. If you need further adjustments or have additional text to revise, feel free to share!
short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly as reach a camp.
The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike but has less acclimatization protocol.
Very challenging, steepest, and hardest of all Mount Kilimanjaro routes. this is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.
Lemosho Route considered to be the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro but 7 days, in a second day of our climb will be challenging.
Machame route is considered a difficult choice for 6 days since is very challenging and offers the poorest acclimatization protocol.
5 days Marangu route is a shortest and most Cheapest options to climb mount Kilimanjaro but hard and has high risk of failure to climb.