Marangu Route
“Coca-Cola Route”
Explore the adventure that touches the sky
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route, known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route with dormitory-style mountain huts, offering comfort and warmth without camping, making it ideal for first-time climbers or those seeking a less rugged experience.
Route Highlights
- Gradual, moderate terrain suitable for beginners
- 6-day itinerary recommended for better acclimatization and higher summit success rates
- Direct ascent and descent without long return treks
- Scenic journey through rainforest and alpine desert zones
Why Trekkers Love It
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is still challenging, but the Marangu Route balances comfort and adventure. Its hut accommodations, moderate slopes, and manageable distance make it a popular choice for climbers seeking a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary
All Kilimanjaro itineraries are fully customizable.
Daily schedules can be adjusted based on your group’s acclimatisation, physical condition, oxygen levels, and pace.
Your safety and comfort are our top priority, and our experienced guides may modify the route at any time to ensure a responsible and successful summit.
🗓️ Day 1
📍 Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 1,870m → 2,720m
🚶 Distance: ~8 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
🌿 Highlight: Rainforest & Wildlife
📜 After starting at Marangu Gate, trek gradually through dense rainforest. Look out for Colobus monkeys and lush flora. Stop for lunch on the way before reaching Mandara Hut, where you spend your first night.
🗓️ Day 2
📍 Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 2,720m → 3,720m
🚶 Distance: ~12 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
🌿 Highlight: Moorland & Heath
📜 The trail moves through heath and moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak. Horombo Hut awaits for overnight stay. Prepare for higher altitude as you ascend.
🗓️ Day 3
(Optional Acclimatization)📍 Horombo Hut → Mawenzi Ridge/Zebra Rocks → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 4,300m / 4,000m
🚶 Distance: Short hike (~5 km)
⏱️ Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
🌿 Highlight: Summit Prep & Scenic Views
📜 A short hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rocks is highly recommended for acclimatization. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and return to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
🗓️ Day 4
📍 Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 4,700m
🚶 Distance: ~10 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
🌿 Highlight: Alpine Desert
📜 Trail becomes steeper through alpine desert. Climbers reach Kibo Hut, resting for the midnight summit push. Hydrate and eat well to prepare for the challenging night ahead.
🗓️ Day 5
📍 Kibo Hut → Gilman’s Point → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Kibo Hut → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 4,700m → 3,720m
🚶 Distance: 6 km ascent + 16 km descent
⏱️ Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent, 6–7 hours descent
🌿 Highlight: Summit & Sunrise
📜 Summit attempt starts at midnight. Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) then Stella Point (5,756m) and finally Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Celebrate, then descend back to Kibo Hut and continue to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
🗓️ Day 6
📍 Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 1,870m
🚶 Distance: ~20 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
🌿 Highlight: Descent through Moorland & Rainforest
📜 Long descent through Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and celebrate the successful climb.
Congratulations on conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!
Marangu Route – Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the Marangu Route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established path, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route. It is the only Kilimanjaro route with dormitory-style hut accommodation (sleeping in beds) instead of camping, offering a unique trekking experience.
How difficult is the Marangu Route?
Rated moderate. The trail has a gradual, steady slope and requires no technical climbing. However, the rapid ascent can still cause altitude sickness if you don’t allow enough time to acclimatize.
How long does the Marangu Route take?
The 5-day itinerary is the shortest on Kilimanjaro, but the 6-day version is recommended. The extra day allows an acclimatization hike at Horombo Hut, improving comfort and summit success.
What is the success rate of the Marangu Route?
Success rates vary by itinerary. The 5-day route often sees below 50% success due to rushing, while the 6-day route exceeds 80% thanks to the extra adaptation day.
Is the Marangu Route crowded?
Yes, especially during peak seasons. As the only route with huts, trekkers share the same path for ascending and descending, so you may encounter other hikers along the way.
When is the best time to climb the Marangu Route?
June–October and December–February offer the most stable weather. Marangu can also be a good choice during rainy seasons (April–May, November) because the sturdy huts provide better protection than tents.
Will I see wildlife on the Marangu Route?
Yes. The trek begins in the rainforest zone at Marangu Gate, where Blue Monkeys and Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys are commonly seen before moving into heath and moorland zones.
Is the Marangu Route good for acclimatization?
The 5-day itinerary has limited acclimatization due to rapid ascent. The 6-day option allows a rest day to hike to Zebra Rocks and return to Horombo Hut, improving altitude adjustment.
How cold does it get on the Marangu Route?
Huts provide some wind shelter but are unheated. Summit night temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower, so proper cold-weather gear is required.
What is included in a Kilimanjaro Joy Travel Marangu Route climb?
Typical inclusions: airport transfers, park and hut fees, professional guides, porters, full-board meals, drinking hall facilities, hot drinks, emergency oxygen, and a summit certificate, hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek, included but can be removed if not needed).
Life’s short — make this the trip your bucket list was waiting for.