Locally owned in Moshi, Kilimanjaro · 25+ years on the mountain info@ahsantetours.com +255 748 525 386
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8 days trip · 6 days on the mountain 60% summit success

6 Days Marangu Route

Ahsante Tours is the #1 leading local tour operator for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, trusted by most agents. So why not book with us and experience the adventure of a lifetime?

Duration 8 days (6 days on the mountain)
Summit 5,895 m
Distance Approx. 78 km (48 mi)
Success rate 60%
Sleeping Weruweru River Lodge in Moshi, mountain huts on the climb
From 2300

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.

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!

Difficulty Challenging, recommended for physically fit climbers
Best months Year-round; huts make it a good choice in the March to May rainy season. Includes an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut
Start point Marangu Gate
Descent Marangu Gate (same path)
Success rate on this route

Marangu Route - Summit Success Rate

The summit success rate for the Marangu Route climb is relatively lower, averaging around 60%. This is primarily because the shorter duration of the climb makes proper acclimatization more challenging. Skipping the acclimatization day at Zebra Rock, which is common on the 5-day Marangu Route itinerary, can further increase the difficulty of reaching the summit.

60% Summit success rate
20K+ Successful summits in over 20 years

Why it is that high

Award-winning We're award-winning Kilimanjaro tour operators.
Luxury Luxury camping, food, tent, toilets and more
20K+ Successful summits Over 20K successful summits in over 20 years
Get help Get help choosing the best route for your team
Route map

Marangu Route Map

6 marangu

Camps and altitude profile

Marangu Gate1,860 m
Mandara Hut2,700 m
Horombo Hut3,700 m
Kibo Hut4,700 m
Uhuru Peak5,895 m
Our experience on this route

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 take this iconic adventure and conquer the world's tallest free-standing mountain via the Marangu Route!
Day by day

6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrival in Kilimanjaro

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.

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Day 2

Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Altitude2,700 m
Walking5 – 6 hours
Distance8.3 km / 5.2 mi
HabitatRainforest
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Day 3

Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Altitude3,700 m
Walking8 – 9 hours
Distance12.5 km / 7.8 mi
HabitatHeath and moorland
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Day 4

Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m / 13189ft) then back to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Altitude4,020 m
Walking4 – 5 hours
Distance5 km / 3.1 mi
HabitatHeath and moorland
1S5A4124
Day 5

Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Altitude4,700 m
Walking7 – 8 hours
Distance9.5 km / 5.9 mi
HabitatAlpine desert
QSF09073 1
Day 6

Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m / 19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Altitude5,895 m
Walking12 – 15 hours
Distance22 km / 13.7 mi
HabitatArctic summit
marangu
Day 7

Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft)

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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included. Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge

Altitude1,860 m
Walking7 – 8 hours
Distance20.8 km / 12.9 mi
HabitatHeath, moorland and rainforest
kikuletwa
Day 8

Depart Kilimanjaro

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 to 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.

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Join a group departure

Should you have any questions about schedules, transfers, or any other details, feel free to get in touch with our knowledgeable experts.

Price per person, by group size

Ready to climb? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person. The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.

Group size Per person Note
1 Adult $2,845
2 Pax $2,610
3 Pax $2,485
4-6 Pax $2,390
7-9 Pax $2,300
10+ Pax $2,130
Private climb prices, total cost per person. Available until 2 days before departure.

What is and is not included

Read the short list, or open each line for the detail.

Included

  • Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy)
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew
  • Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
  • Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
  • 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
  • Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
  • Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek

Not included

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Visa
  • Tips to mountain crew
  • Single supplement
  • Rental Gears
  • Laundry Services
  • Travel Insurance
  • 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people
Downloads

Kit lists and trip documents

Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations from Ahsante Tours Team

Reviews from this route

5.0 · 200 Tripadvisor reviews
EXCELLENT
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Based on 212 reviews
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Priya S profile picture
Priya S
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A Memorable Safari - Thanks to the Wonderful Team at Ahsante Tours We had a fantastic experience with Ahsante Tours on our Tanzania safari. Everything was well organized, and the trip went smoothly from beginning to end. Holyfield Edwin, our main contact, deserves special recognition. He was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful, patiently answering all our questions both before the trip and while we were on safari. When I accidentally left my Kindle at Rafiki Retreat in Arusha, he went out of his way to arrange for it to be retrieved and sent to Kigali, our final destination. That kind of personal attention really stood out. Our guide and driver for nine days, Aston, was equally outstanding. He worked incredibly hard every day, was always patient and professional, and made us feel safe on the road. His knowledge of wildlife and ability to spot animals were impressive—we saw the Big Five multiple times! Most of all, we loved his genuine enthusiasm. He seemed just as excited about each sighting as we were, which made the experience even more enjoyable. He was also considerate and unobtrusive, allowing us to take in each moment at our own pace. The accommodations were generally three-star, and we enjoyed most of the bush camps and hotels along the way. Ahsante also coordinated our Rwanda extension to see the gorillas through Mist Safari, which was another wonderful experience. Brian K., our contact in Rwanda, was super responsive and easy to communicate with. All in all, we were very happy with Ahsante Tours. The team was reliable, thoughtful, and professional, and the personal touches made a real difference. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone planning a Tanzania safari, especially if you value good communication, a knowledgeable guide, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for a trip filled with wonderful experiences and memories we will cherish for years to come!
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Sam S
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Trip of a lifetime! I went with Ahsante Tours via Explore on a trip to climb Kilimanjaro (Lemosho route) followed by safaris in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. All the guides were very friendly and nice to talk to - I got along with all of them very well. For the Kilimanjaro climb, I was consistently impressed by how above and beyond all the staff went to make sure we had everything and we were comfortable. The level of care, service and concern for our health and safety was unmatched. For the safaris, our guide was very knowledgeable with what everything was and was amazing at spotting even the smallest animals in secretive hiding spots. I think this was the best trip of my life and I will always remember it incredibly fondly!
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Sophie N
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Incredible An incredible experience with the best team of guides and porters we could have asked for. They made it fun, interesting and ensured we were safe and happy at all times. I cannot thank Mussa, Joshua , Michael , Juma , Uhuru and the rest of the team enough for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you 🙏
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Blair T
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10/10 review for a great company Uk - Scotland based review. This is my second time using Ahsante tours and they can’t be faulted. I booked Kilimanjaro in 2025 with them and they were brilliant from the first initial contact. They planned out the trip according to my dates etc and were in communication throughout until I arrived. I used them again this year to book a safari trip for my partners birthday. Again, from initial contact their communication was excellent. I provided them with how I’d like my trip to look and executed it to perfection. We stayed with a Masai tribe before starting safari trip and this was a 10/10 experience. Would recommend. We thereafter visited Tarangire, Lake Manyara and then Serengeti for safari game drives. An experience that will last a life time that was made possible by using Ashante Tours. All accommodation we stayed in was clean, staff all friendly, food was good, all packed lunches provided for game drives and they were good as well. We had a safari guide Godwin, who was with us for 6 days. He was so friendly, so knowledgeable and just an overall really nice guy. Couldn’t have picked a better guide myself. The Weru Weru lodges, where you stay when booking with Ahsante is clean, good food and staff very friendly (both times). Would recommend anyone looking to book a trip to climb Kilimanjaro or safaris to book through Ahsante tours. Both times zero complaints. If I was to return to Tanzania I will use again. Ahsante to all - Ahsante Tour staff 👏🏻
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Ukiyo
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Perfect! Professional, flexible, and friendly team. We spent 17 days with this company. From Kili to Safaris, everything was organized and managed to a perfection. Big thanks to Daniel, Benson and Derick.
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Shabana S
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They didn’t just get us to the summit — they got us through Kilimanjaro I don’t think you fully understand the importance of choosing the right Kilimanjaro team until you are actually on that mountain. We climbed with Ahsante Tours in September 2026, and there are moments from those days that I will genuinely never forget. Kilimanjaro tests you in ways that go far beyond physical fitness. There are long days, altitude, exhaustion, freezing temperatures, moments of complete awe and moments when your mind and body simply do not want to cooperate anymore. And during those moments, the people around you become incredibly important. Our Ahsante team were exceptional. The guides knew when to push us, when to slow us down, when we needed encouragement and when we simply needed someone beside us. The porters were absolute heroes. Watching how hard this team works while still greeting us with warmth, humour and encouragement every day gave me an entirely new level of respect for what goes into getting someone up Kilimanjaro. Summit night is where I understood it most. By that point, this wasn’t a holiday or even just a trek anymore. It was mental, physical and emotional. There were moments when reaching Uhuru Peak felt impossibly far away, but our team never stopped believing that we could get there. And we did. I stood at Uhuru Peak knowing that although my legs had carried me there, I absolutely had not got there alone. The organisation, food, camps and logistics were all handled extremely well, but what separates a good Kilimanjaro company from an unforgettable one is the people. These are the people who see you exhausted, cold, emotional and completely stripped of your usual comforts — and somehow keep you moving forward. To everyone at Ahsante who carried, cooked, guided, encouraged, laughed with us and quite literally walked this journey with us: asante sana. Kilimanjaro gave me one of the hardest and most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful that Ahsante Tours was part of it. Five stars, without hesitation. ❤️
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Heena K
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Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro My Kilimanjaro Experience with Ahsante Tours 🏔️ Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was something I wanted to do for the adventure, but the experience turned out to mean so much more than I expected. From the beginning, Ahsante Tours made the process smooth and well organised. The communication before the climb, the arrangements, and the preparation all gave me confidence going into the journey. The climb itself was challenging—physically. But having a supportive and experienced team around me made a huge difference. The guides were encouraging throughout the entire climb, constantly checking on us, reminding us to take it *pole pole*, and making sure we were comfortable and safe. The porters were equally incredible. Seeing how much they carried and how hard they worked every day gave me an entirely different appreciation for the people behind the climb. Summit night was by far the toughest part. It was cold, dark, exhausting and mentally challenging, but every step brought me closer to the goal. Finally reaching Uhuru Peak at **5,895 metres** was a feeling I honestly cannot put into words. After all the preparation, tiredness, doubts and long days, standing at the summit and knowing **I DID IT** was unforgettable. But what I loved most about this experience is that Kilimanjaro taught me things beyond climbing a mountain. It taught me to appreciate my comfort at home, to trust my body, to keep moving at my own pace, and to understand that sometimes you are capable of much more than you think. I am genuinely grateful to the entire Ahsante Tours team for being part of such an important experience for me. From the first step to the final descent, their support contributed greatly to making this journey memorable. Thank you, Ahsante Tours, for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
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Duncan
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Unforgettable trip (in a good way) I joined an Ahsante group climbing the Kilimanjaro Machame route. Ascending isn’t easy, but the Ahsante team worked hard to maximise the chances of a successful ascent. Out of our group, nearly all managed to get to the top (something that isn’t usual). The guides were superb - supportive, very experienced and very friendly. Our team contained a medical doctor who was very reassuring and who was conducting research on the effects of altitude on the body. The Ahsante team are very welcoming, experienced and knowledgeable. The friendliness of the group, the stunning scenery and the Ahsante team made this an unforgettable trip.
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seangamage
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Life long memories. Our experience was split into two parts. Firstly, the Ahsante team got me and my friend to Uhuru Peak. Nine days, Northern Circuit - absolutely amazing. Professional, supportive and fun; we could not have asked for more. After the climb, Ahsante got four of us from Weru Weru River Lodge to Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Central/Northern Serengeti. Knowledgeable guides, great camps - saw the Great Migration over the Mara River, lions, rhino, cheetah, elephant, zebra, crocodile, hippo, giraffe. Life long memories.
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mark s
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Safari-tastic! Our 5 day Safari was amazing (if a little too long!) We saw such a great variety of animal life , and our drivers/ guides Godwin and Derek were very knowledgeable and could answer pretty much every question we asked, adding more information where they could. Godwin is a very skilled driver ( Derek is still training so not allowed to drive with customers) and handled those bumpy roads well. It was also great that he had car mechanic knowledge to sort out a few problems with our jeep along the way. They are both very professional but also friendly and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Marangu Route called the "Coca-Cola 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.
How long does it take to complete the Marangu Route?
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.
What type of accommodation is available on the Marangu Route?
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.
What is the success rate of the Marangu Route?
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.
Is the Marangu Route suitable for beginners?
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.
Awards and certifications

Awards and recognition

Tanzania Tourist Board — Licensed Tour Operator
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2020 - 2026
Tanzania Association of Tour Operators
Best Tour Operator for Mawenzi Peak Technical Climbs
Tanzania's Leading Tour Operator: Nominee for 5 years in a row since 2019 to 2023 & 2026

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  • Free date changes up to 60 days before you fly

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