Kilimanjaro route
Marangu Route
The 5 and 6-day itineraries from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 5–6 days
- Price from
- $2,150
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Starting point
- Marangu Gate
About the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, often called the Coca-Cola Route, is the only Kilimanjaro route that uses hut accommodations instead of camping. It follows a well-defined and gradual path, making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a classic and more sheltered trekking experience.
- Accommodation: Mountain huts
- Best for: Hut accommodation, gradual ascent, classic route
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | Day by day below | $2,150 |
| 6 days | Day by day below | $2,220 |
5-day Marangu Route itinerary
The 5 day Marangu Route follows the same path but removes the acclimatization day, resulting in a faster ascent. This makes it more physically demanding and less ideal for altitude adjustment.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
- 1,860 m / 6,100 ft → 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through rainforest to Mandara Huts.
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
- 2,700 m / 8,858 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 12 km / 7.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Moorland
Ascend into moorland with expanding views of the mountain.
Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Alpine Desert
Cross the saddle to Kibo Huts. This is a long and physically demanding day due to altitude.
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
- 4,700 m / 15,430 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles up; 16 km / 10 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Moorland
Summit attempt begins around midnight. After reaching Uhuru Peak, descend back to Horombo Huts.
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 1,860 m / 6,100 ft
- 20 km / 12.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent through forest to Marangu Gate and transfer back to Arusha.
6-day Marangu Route itinerary
The 6 day Marangu Route includes an acclimatization day at Horombo Huts, improving summit success rates and allowing for a more gradual adjustment to altitude.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
- 1,860 m / 6,100 ft → 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through lush rainforest after registration at Marangu Gate. The trail is well maintained and passes through dense vegetation with opportunities to spot monkeys and birdlife. Overnight at Mandara Huts.
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
- 2,700 m / 8,858 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 12 km / 7.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Moorland
Leave the forest behind and enter open moorland. The landscape opens up with views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding terrain. Overnight at Horombo Huts.
Acclimatization day at Horombo Huts
- about 3,720 m / 12,205 ft sleeping altitude; optional hike to about 4,390 m / 14,400 ft
- 2–5 km / 1–3 miles optional
- 1–2 hours optional
- Moorland
Spend the day acclimatizing at Horombo Huts. Optional hikes toward Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Hut allow you to gain elevation before returning to camp, helping your body adjust to altitude.
Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Alpine Desert
Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo through a stark alpine desert landscape. The terrain is exposed and can be physically demanding. Overnight at Kibo Huts.
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
- 4,700 m / 15,430 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles up; 16 km / 10 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Moorland
Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Climb steeply to Gilman's Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, descend back to Horombo Huts.
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha
- 3,720 m / 12,205 ft → 1,860 m / 6,100 ft
- 20 km / 12.5 miles
- 5–7 hours
- Rainforest
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha.
Climb the Marangu Route with Baraka
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Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
