The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro.

This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have 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 Marangu because it is considered to be 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 that reason.

Ultimate Kilimanjaro® offers Marangu as a 5 or 6 day private climb. The 5 day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day 3 at Horombo Hut.

How Long is the Marangu Route?

The distance of the Marangu route is approximately 82 km or 50 miles.

How Many Days Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

The Marangu route is typically done in 5 days, but the 6 day variation is significantly better.

How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

The Marangu route is considered a hard route due of its short duration. Though the elevation gain is gradual and not strenuous, the short time spent on the mountain means climbers may have a difficult time acclimatizing.

What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

The park service last reported that the success rate of the 5 day Marangu route is only around 30% and the 6 day Marangu route is about 50%. Our Marangu success rates are consistently 15-20% higher than these figures.

How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route?

The cost to climb the Marangu route depends on the number of days. Our current pricing for a private climb on the 5 day Marangu route starts at $2,299 per person. See all of our prices here.


6 DAY MARANGU ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Hiking Time:  4-5 hours

Distance: 8 km | 5 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

DAY 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Heath

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

DAY 3 – Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Habitat: Heath

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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles

Habitat: Heath

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

DAY 4 –  Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 5 –  Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles

Habitat: Arctic

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Distance: 16 km | 10 miles

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 20 km | 12 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.