The only hut-based route.
The Marangu Route, is named after the Chagga village of Marangu, nestled in the foothills
of Mount Kilimanjaro. Often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and
most established route and the only one offering dormitory-style hut accommodation,
offering trekkers a bed and mattress each night. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara
and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. The huts have dining halls and basic
washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long-drop
toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
The trail is well-maintained and follows a direct path to the summit via the southeastern
slopes, ascending and descending along the same path. While it’s less scenic than other
routes, it’s popular for its comfort and simplicity and is considered to be the easiest route
on the mountain. However, the shorter time frame of the route makes altitude
acclimatization more difficult for many hikers, reducing the chances of summit success.
Your trek begins after breakfast, when our guide collects you from your hotel for the
124km drive to Marangu Gate (1,843m). After registration and weighing of luggage, we
begin trekking around mid-day through beautiful rainforest — Kilimanjaro’s second
vegetation zone – where you will see beautiful flora and fauna, some of the flora endemic
to Kilimanjaro.
After 4-5 hours of a slow (“pole pole”) walk in the forest, we reach Mandara Hut, at the
edge of the forest. Our team will have arrived ahead of us, and dinner will follow shortly,
then we sleep.
Elevation: 1,905m to 2,704m | Distance: 8km | Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We start day two by walking through the forest, and in less than an hour we leave the
forest behind us and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail opens up and, if we’re
lucky, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic
peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro, before reaching the picnic site for lunch
The walk is a less steep, gradual trek to Horombo Hut, arriving later in the afternoon.
Snacks will be served, followed by dinner and a long rest.
Elevation: 2,704m to 3,719m | Distance: 12km | Time: 6-8 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We climb gradually, then cross the Saddle — a wide, barren expanse between Mawenzi
and Kibo. This lunar landscape allows us a chance to see amazing views of Eastern
Kilimanjaro. The air becomes thinner as we approach Kibo Hut, our base camp for the
summit. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit push later
that night or as decided by our guides.
Dinner is early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.
Elevation: 3,719m to 4,714m | Distance: 10km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night 3: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
We begin the final push around midnight. We ascend in the darkness for several hours,
taking frequent, short, breaks. After about 5-6 hours we reach Gilman’s Point, right at
the edge of the crater rim. If you started the trek at midnight, you’ll be able to watch the
beautiful sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak.
We continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, we
continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
Elevation: 4,714m to 5,895m | Distance: 6km | Time: 7-8 hours
After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we descend to Horombo Hut, via Kibo
Hut and across the Saddle.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep
after a long, tiresome hike
Elevation: 5,895m to 3,719m | Distance: 15km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Our last day is a long trek, mostly downhill. A gentle descent through moorland and
then forest brings us to Marangu Gate, where certificates are collected.
A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel,
where you can treat yourselves to warm showers and cold beers. Your trek comes to an
end. Your guide will advise you on final arrangements and you will have a chance to
thank the entire team before parting ways.
Elevation: 3,719m to 1,905m | Distance: 20km | Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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