The Marangu Route is the most established path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the only one that offers hut accommodations, making it ideal for climbers who prefer not to camp. Often dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route”, it provides a direct trail to Uhuru Peak with gentle slopes and a consistent path for both ascent and descent.
This route passes through lush rainforests, heath and moorland, and finally reaches the dramatic alpine desert before the summit. While it’s one of the shorter routes, it remains a serious challenge—especially on summit day. The 6-day version is highly recommended to improve acclimatization and summit success.
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at the Marangu Gate where you'll register and start trekking through a beautiful rainforest. The trail is scenic and rich in wildlife. You'll spend your first night at Mandara Hut, nestled in the forest.
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, continue through lush forests into the moorland zone, with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut for rest and dinner. Altitude gain begins to be felt.
Activity: Hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) and back
Distance: 5 km round trip
This day allows your body to adjust to the altitude, greatly improving summit success. A short hike to Zebra Rocks helps acclimatization, followed by lunch and rest at Horombo Hut.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail climbs gradually across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The air is thinner here, and the landscape becomes barren. Reach Kibo Hut, rest, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance: 6 km ascent + 16 km descent
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic at summit, then moorland
Start your final ascent around midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) is tough, but from there, you push on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Descend through the lush rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Included in the Package
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Hut accommodations and meals
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Transportation to/from Marangu Gate
- Pre/post trek hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
Not Included
- Tips (guides, porters, cook)
- Mountain gear (can be rented)
- Travel insurance & medical cover
- Flights and personal expenses
The Marangu Route is considered moderate in difficulty. While it has a gentler slope and hut accommodation, the summit day is still physically demanding. Proper acclimatization and physical preparation are important.
It earned the nickname “Coca-Cola Route” because soft drinks like Coca-Cola used to be sold at the huts along the route. It’s also considered an “easier” route compared to others, making it a popular choice for beginners.
Unlike other routes that require camping, the Marangu Route offers permanent mountain huts—Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts. Each provides dormitory-style bunk beds, mattresses, and shared dining areas.
Yes. The 6-day version includes an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization, which significantly increases the chance of reaching the summit and helps reduce altitude sickness.
The 5-day itinerary has a lower summit success rate (~50%) due to limited acclimatization time. The 6-day itinerary has a much higher success rate (~80%).
The best times to climb are during the dry seasons:
January to early March
June to October
These months offer better weather and clearer summit views.