Marangu Route overview
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the most established and well-known trails for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. At Kilimap Adventures, we guide numerous treks on this scenic path each year, which begins on the southeastern side of the mountain and is the only route that offers hut accommodations throughout the journey. The Marangu Route can be completed in 5 or 6 days, with the 6-day itinerary offering better acclimatization and a greater chance of summit success.
This trail offers a gentler ascent and is ideal for beginner climbers seeking a straightforward and comfortable trekking experience. Hikers will pass through multiple ecological zones, including lush rainforest, heath and moorland, and high alpine desert, with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s sister peak, Mawenzi, along the way. A highlight of the route is the chance to visit the Maundi Crater, which offers panoramic views over Kenya and the surrounding plains.
The name Marangu also refers to a town located at the base of Kilimanjaro and holds significant cultural and historical value. It is one of the oldest and most developed settlements in the region, home to the Chagga people—one of Tanzania’s largest ethnic groups. Marangu has long served as a key cultural and trading center, and it was among the first areas where European missionaries and explorers established a presence on Kilimanjaro.
The region played a central role in the early colonial history of the mountain, with Marangu becoming a hub for early climbing expeditions and research. Today, Marangu remains a symbol of Chagga heritage and a gateway for trekkers seeking a comfortable and culturally rich Kilimanjaro experience.
Map of Marangu Route
success Rate Marangu Route
Here are the summit success rates for our Marangu Route expeditions:
* Marangu 5-Day – Crater Rim: 85.4%, Uhuru Peak: 79.1%
* Marangu 6-Day – Crater Rim: 91.2%, Uhuru Peak: 86.3%
As these figures show, the 6-day Marangu itinerary offers a noticeably higher summit success rate than the 5-day option. The extra acclimatization day greatly improves your body’s ability to adjust to the altitude, significantly increasing the likelihood of reaching both the Crater Rim and Uhuru Peak.
The Marangu Route remains a popular choice, especially for those seeking a more comfortable trek, thanks to its hut accommodations and relatively gradual trail. It’s an ideal option for first-time climbers looking for a scenic yet non-technical route up Kilimanjaro. Though the Marangu Route does not join other trails like Machame or Lemosho, it offers its own unique charm and cultural immersion, making it a rewarding journey for those seeking a classic Kilimanjaro experience.
MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARIES
5 Day Marangu Itinerary
Destination: Kilimanjaro via Machame Route.
Major Attractions:Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest .
Tour Guides Language: English.
Starting Point: Moshi.
Ending Point: Moshi.
Route Accessibility:It approaches the mountain from South East through Marangu route.
Descending is usually done on the same route. This makes it very crowded to other routes.
Additional info: We provide porters and cooks for guidance and assistance while on the mountain.
DAY 1:
Marangu Gate (1800M) to Mandara Hut (2720M)
Transfer from your accommodations in Moshi to reach Marangu gate for registration. Start ascending up the mountain with guides, porters and cooks through the tropical rainforest. Continue with the trail to reach Mandara hut which provides accommodations like dining halls and toilets. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
Distance: 8 Kilometers.
Time: 4 Hours walking.
Zone: Rain forest.
DAY 2:
Mandara Hut (2720M) to Horombo Hut (3720M)
Hike through the rain forest for first stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi.Proceed into the moorland zone which will lead you to Horombo hut and arrive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
Distance: 11 Kilometers.
Time: 6 Hours walking.
Zone: Moorland.
DAY 3:
Horombo Hut (3720M) to Kibo Hut (4720M)
Climb through the alpine desert into the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peak. The trail leads to Kibo hut to arrive in the mid-day. Take some rest of the day off resting and gain some energy for the final summit. Lunch at the hut or packed from the cook and clean drinking water. It’s advised to sleep early as 19:00 for then summit.
Distance: 9 Kilometers.
Time: 6 Hours walking.
Zone: Alpine desert.
DAY 4:
Kibo Hut (4720M) to Uhuru Peak (5895M) to Horombo Hut (3720M)
Wake up around 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and head lamp. Leave the campsite and start summiting by midnight into the glacial zone. The path leads to Gilman’s point 5681Mafter a6 hours walking upto reach the sunrise at Stella point. Take another 45 minutes or 1 hour at Uhuru Peak 5895M the roof top of Africa. Have time for pictures and a little rest while at the summit. After a short rest, for start to descending down to Kibo hut and will take 3 hours till to get to that hut for the short rest and lunch. After that rest and lunch starts repack all gears of you and descend down to Horombo hut again “pole pole”.
Distance: 6 Kilometers.
Time: 6-7 Hours walking.
Zone: Alpine/Glacial zone.
DAY 5:
Horombo Hut (3720M) to Marangu Gate (1800M)
Leave from the moorland zone, heading towards Mandara hut for water brake. Proceed with the trail to reach the final destination at Marangu gate. Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green certificates for Gilman’s point hikers. Drive back to Moshi for hot shower and much celebration. “Normally tipping can be done to the last campsite or at the certain gate”.
Distance: 19 Kilometers.
Time: 5 Hours walking.
Zone: Rain forest.
$ 1450
STARTING FROM $1450 PER PERSON IN A GROUP TREK
6 Day Marangu Itinerary
Destination: Kilimanjaro via Machame Route
Major Attractions:Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain
Tour Guides Language: English
Starting Point: Moshi
Ending Point: Moshi
Route Accessibility: It approaches the mountain from South East through Marangu route. Descending is usually done on the same route.
This makes it very crowded to other routes.
Additional info: We provide porters and cooks for guidance and assistance while on the mountain.
DAY 1 :
Marangu Gate (1800M) to Mandara Hut (2720M)
Transfer from your accommodations in Moshi to reach Marangu gate for registration. Start ascending up the mountain with guides, porters and cooks through the tropical rainforest. Continue with the trail to reach Mandara hut which provides accommodations like dining halls and toilets. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
Distance: 8 Kilometers.
Time: 4 Hours walking.
Zone: Rain forest.
DAY 2 :
Mandara Hut (2720M) to Horombo Hut (3720M)
Hike through the rain forest for first stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi.Proceed into the moorland zone which will lead you to Horombo hut and arrive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
Distance: 11 Kilometers.
Time: 6 Hours walking.
Zone: Moorland.
DAY 3 :
Relaxation/ Acclimatization day at Horombo Hut
Use this day to relax at the campsite and acclimatize at zebra rocks. Is only about one hour to and from the campsite. Is advised to use this opportunity to adjust your body to the high altitude about 100Mamsl from the campsite and it can help to avoid the headache and other mountain sickness (AMS).
DAY 4 :
Horombo Hut (3720Mamsl) to Kibo Hut (4720Mamsl)
Climb through the alpine desert into the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peak. The trail leads to Kibo Hut to arrive in the mid-day. Take the rest of the day off resting and gaining energy for the final summit. Lunch at the hut or packed from the cook and clean drinking water. It’s advised to sleep early as 19:00 for then summit.
Distance: 9 Kilometers.
Time: 6 Hours walking.
Zone:Alpine desert.
DAY 5 :
Kibo Hut (4720Mamsl) to Uhuru Peak (5895Mamsl) to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Wake up around 23:00 for adding more warm clothes and headlamps. Leave the camp and start summiting by midnight into the glacial zone. The path leads to Gilman’s point (5681Mamsl) after a6 hour walk to arrive at sunrise. Take another 1:30 hour to Uhuru Peak 5895Mamsl the roof of Africa. Have time for pictures and a little rest while at the summit. After resting for awhile, start the descending to Kibo hut and will take 3 hours till to get to the hut for the short rest and lunch. After a short rest and lunch start repack all stiffs and start to descend to Horombo hut again “pole pole”.
Distance: 9 Kilometers.
Time: 4 Hours walking.
Zone: Moorland.
DAY 6 :
Horombo Hut (3720Mamsl) to Marangu Gate (1800Mamsl)
Leave from the moorland environment, heading towards mandara hut for water brake. Proceed with the trail to reach the final destination at marangu gate. Upon arrival, show appreciation to the team by tipping guides, porters and cook. Get awarded with certificates whereby golden certificates are given to hikers who reached Uhuru peak and green certificates for Gilman’s point hikers. Drive back to Moshifor hot shower and much celebrations.
Distance: 19 Kilometers.
Time: 5 Hours walking.
Zone: Rain forest.
$ 1550
STARTING FROM $1550 PER PERSON IN A GROUP TREK
