The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are provided with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts feature communal 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.
Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for this reason.
Zara Tours offers Marangu as a five or six-day private climb. The five-day variation does not include an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
The route is often referred to as the “tourist route” because of the services available along the way to the summit. Unlike other routes, it is relatively easy, but it has a low success rate because many unfit people attempt the Kilimanjaro trek via this route and fail. It is a popular route, and accommodation is in huts. While it is the easiest and shortest route, the ascent and descent are done along the same path.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport | Moshi
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or a similar accommodation for an overnight stay with bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Moshi | Marangu Park Gate | Mandara Hut
Altitude: 1,830 m – 2,700 m
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Depart Moshi town and drive for approximately 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Complete the necessary paperwork at the park gate, including registrations. Begin hiking through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut. Stop halfway for lunch. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) offers stunning views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms with running water are available.
Day 3: Mandara Hut | Horombo Hut
Altitude: 2,700 m – 3,720 m
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Wake up for breakfast, pack your gear, and hike to Horombo Huts. Travel through lower heathland, with small shrubs as the primary vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Enjoy incredible views of Mawenzi. The summit of Kibo is visible from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms with running water are available.
Day 4: Horombo Hut | Kibo Hut
Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,700 m
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Wake up for breakfast (if you wake before sunrise, you can capture some amazing photos of the sunrise). Pack your gear and begin the hike to Kibo Hut. The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heathland, while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert, resembling a lunar landscape. Be aware of signs of altitude sickness. There is no running water at Kibo Huts.
Day 5: Kibo Hut | Summit | Horombo Hut
Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m
Hiking Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 15+ hours
Wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, then prepare for the summit ascent. This portion of the hike is done in the early morning before dawn to ensure climbers reach Uhuru Peak around sunrise. Depart at 1:00 am and reach Gilman’s Point around 7:00 am. At Gilman’s Point, enjoy views of the crater from the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking takes you to Uhuru Peak, the summit. Descend to Kibo Hut, collect your belongings, and cross the saddle again to reach Horombo Hut for the night. Enjoy dinner and rest.
Day 6: Horombo Hut | Marangu Park Gate | Moshi
Altitude: 3,720 m – 2,700 m
Hiking Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Wake up as usual, pack, and begin your descent to Mandara Hut. Have lunch there, then continue on to the park gate, where you will meet your transport back to Moshi. Return to Springlands Hotel for the night. Tips are recommended and can be given to the guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reach Stella Point (5,685 m) will receive green certificates, and those who reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) will receive gold certificates.
Day 7: Moshi | Kilimanjaro Airport
After an early breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure flight back home.
INCLUDED:
- Two nights accommodation at the Springlands Hotel in Moshi (before and after the climb)
- Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- Tents and sleeping mattresses
- Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
- Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
- Rescue Fees
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
- Emergency oxygen
EXCLUDED:
- Single rooms supplement at Springlands Hotel (except on the 1 person rate)
- Airport transfers
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Gear for your climb
- Items of personal nature
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Visas
| Number of Pax | Package Price |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 pax | US$ 1,384 Per Person |
| 6 pax and above | US$ 1282 Per Person |
| 11 people and above | one person will pay park fees only – US$ 799 |
