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Marangu Route Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the classic and oldest paths to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the southeastern side of the mountain. It is historically significant as the route taken by Hans Meyer during the first successful Kilimanjaro summit in 1889. The route is completed in 5 to 6 days and is the only one offering hut accommodation instead of tents, making it appealing to climbers who prefer more comfort. The trail passes through all of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from tropical forests to alpine deserts, and Marangu Gate also serves as the headquarters of Kilimanjaro National Park. Unlike other routes, both the ascent and descent use the same path on Marangu.
- Marangu Route - Summit Success Rate
- Marangu Route Map
- Ahsante Tours’ Experience with Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is an ideal choice for climbers who prefer the comfort of sleeping in huts rather than tents, making it particularly well-suited for the rainy season from March to May, as the huts provide reliable shelter. It is recommended for physically fit climbers, especially for the challenging final ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak. Offering a unique historical experience, the Marangu Route is the oldest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, adding a sense of tradition to your journey. Ahsante Tours warmly invites you to embark on this iconic adventure and conquer the world’s tallest free-standing mountain via the Marangu Route!
Free Kilimanjaro
Kit Checklist
Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations
from Ahsante Tours Team
Did You Know ?
The Marangu Route is nicknamed the "Coca-Cola Route" for its popularity and the availability of refreshments at huts along the way!
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- 6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Meals: Dinner Only.
Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Duration: 8 – 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.
Distance: 5km / 3.1mi
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance: 22km / 13.7mi
Duration: 12 – 15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*We also welcome you spare an hour of your day to plant a tree, as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region.
*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals :Breakfast Included.
- 6 Days Marangu route Prices
Climbing Cost Includes
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy); except for Marangu route where we overnight in Huts
- Sleeping Bag
- 3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
- Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Transportation to and from the airport (JRO Airport, additional charge of USD 50 for 1 way Arusha Airport tranfer)
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Three meals daily while on the mountain
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb with breakfast and dinner included (double occupancy)
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
- Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes of 4 and above.
- Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
- Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek
Climbing Cost Excludes
- International and Domestic Flights
- Visa
- Tips to mountain crew (A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant)
- Single supplement – The tents are based in double occupancy; a single tent is arranged at an extra charge of USD 20 per day.
- Rental Gears
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover on trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation)
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people.
Why choose Ahsante Tours
- FAQs about Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is nicknamed the "Coca-Cola Route" because, historically, climbers could purchase Coca-Cola at the huts along the way. It’s also considered a “classic” route due to its popularity and accessibility.
The Marangu Route typically takes 5 to 6 days to complete. The 6-day option includes an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, which can improve summit success rates.
Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route offers hut accommodation at designated campsites. Climbers stay in wooden huts, making it more comfortable, especially during the rainy season.
The Marangu Route has a summit success rate of about 60%. This is lower than other routes because it has a shorter acclimatization period, particularly on the 5-day option.
Though often considered one of the easier routes due to the hut accommodations and gradual slopes, the Marangu Route can still be challenging due to the quick ascent and reduced acclimatization time. It is suitable for beginners who are physically fit and prepared for the altitude and hiking conditions.
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