The Marangu Route is the most popular and easiest route on Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route. This route is unique for offering hut accommodations instead of tents, providing a more comfortable trekking experience. It is ideal for those with limited time and those looking for a shorter climb.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,970m/6,460ft to 2,720m/8,920ft
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Overview: After a briefing, we start our trek through lush rainforest from Marangu Gate, keeping an eye out for blue monkeys and unique bird species. After a few hours of hiking, we reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll settle into comfortable huts and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,720m/8,920ft to 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overview: We leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, where vegetation becomes sparser, and you’ll see the first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arriving at Horombo Hut, we’ll settle in for the night, taking in the stunning scenery surrounding the area.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: Optional short hike
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours (optional)
Habitat: Moorland
Overview: Today is an acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude, greatly improving your chances for a successful summit. We’ll take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m/13,060ft) before returning to Horombo Hut for rest, meals, and relaxation.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 4,700m/15,430ft
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Overview: Today’s journey takes us across the “Saddle,” a vast, lunar landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The terrain is stark yet beautiful, and as we approach Kibo Hut, you’ll feel the anticipation building for the upcoming summit. After a hearty dinner, we rest early in preparation for the midnight ascent.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m/15,430ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak) and back down to 3,720m/12,200ft
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert and arctic zone
Overview: We start the final push to the summit around midnight, trekking steeply up to Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,650ft) on the crater rim. From there, a final challenging ascent leads us to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating and taking photos, we descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m/12,200ft to 1,970m/6,460ft
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
Overview: Our final day on Kilimanjaro takes us back through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where you can celebrate your achievement with a warm shower and well-deserved rest.
Ready to Summit Kilimanjaro?
Book this incredible 6-day Marangu Route climb with Serengeti Voyage and experience the adventure of a lifetime!
Transport to and from Moshi/Arusha to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping /huts fees, rescue fee and Value Added tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
Camping tents
S;eeping pads
Mess tents, table, chairs and lanterns
Fresh and nutrition meals on the mountain
Breakfast at the hotel
Your Gateway to Tanzania’s Wilderness At Serengeti Voyage, we bring you closer to the untamed beauty of Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
