Marangu Route
The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is favored by many due to the obvious nature of the path and its gradual incline increase. Are you willing to sacrifice the comfort of sleeping in a bed? Don’t fret, the Marangu Route is the only route that offers accommodation. The sleeping huts resemble dormitories. Each bunk bed is equipped with a sponge mattress and pillow. Bathrooms and running water are available at the lower huts. Kibo uses a basic latrine system and buckets of water are available.
General Expectations:
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations instead of camping. It is the oldest and one of the most popular routes, known for its gradual ascent and direct path to the summit. Here’s what you can expect:
- Duration & Difficulty
- Typically a 5-day climb, but a 6-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization.
- Considered the easiest route in terms of terrain, but the summit night is still challenging due to altitude.
- No technical climbing skills are required.
- Accommodations
- Unlike other routes, you will sleep in mountain huts instead of tents.
- The huts are basic dormitory-style with bunk beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas.
- Shared toilets and no showers.
- Scenery & Landscapes
- The least scenic route because the ascent and descent follow the same path.
- You will pass through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.
- The rainforest section is lush and green, while higher elevations are rocky and barren.
- Altitude & Acclimatization
- The rapid ascent makes acclimatization more difficult, leading to a higher failure rate than longer routes.
- The extra acclimatization day on a 6-day itinerary increases your chance of success.
- Summit Night
- The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft) starts at midnight.
- A long, steep climb over loose scree to Gillman’s Point (5,681m), then a gradual trek to Uhuru Peak.
- Temperatures drop well below freezing, and strong winds are common.
- Descent
- Descent is via the same Marangu Route, staying one more night at Horombo Hut before returning to the gate.
- Who Should Choose This Route?
- Ideal for those who prefer hut accommodations over camping.
- Best for first-time climbers who want a relatively easier approach (but still challenging).
- Not recommended for those looking for more scenic variety or a high summit success rate.
Day 1 – Arriving in Tanzania
You will be met by one of our drivers at Kilimanjaro airport for an hour drive to Moshi where you will spend a night before starting the hike the following day.
Day 2 – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu gate and start the climb through fascinating rain forests till you reach the first hut Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hut. (9,000ft).
Day 3 – Mandara huts (2700m) – Horombo huts (3720m)
After breakfast, follow the ascending path through the alpine – meadow. The altitude begins to change and slowdown your pace while enjoying the flora and the view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at the Horombo Hut 12km from Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hut. (12,520ft).
Day 4 -Acclimitization Day
Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut. Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.
Day 5 -Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
To Kibo Hut
After breakfast, resume the climb, the landscape becomes rugged and rocky. Lobelias begin to appear. Climb to Kibo Hut. Meals and overnight at the hut. (15,520ft).
Day 6 -Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
The beginning of the last ascent is made in the wee hrs of the morning while the scree is still frozen. Climb the very steep part of the route to GILMANS POINT (most difficult and tiring part). UHURU PEAK is reached within an hour’s walk along the crater rim. (19,344ft). Start the 6 Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m) Activities Start the descent to Horombo hut for overnight
END OF THE TOUR
The climb cost includes for lemosho route:
Transfers:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
- Transfer to the trailhead – entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
- Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
Entry fees:
- All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
Accommodation:
- One night at 3* hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay – caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool);
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Kilimanjaro Tents).
Please note:
All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
Meals:
- Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
- All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
- All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
Hiking and safety equipment:
- 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
- All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
- GPS-tracking service;
- Complete medical kits.
Climbing crew:
- Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 4+years of successful mountaineering experience;
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).
The climb cost excludes:
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Mountaineering insurance.
- This tour starts and ends in Arusha
- Book your own international flights when using this operator
- A transfer from and back to the airport is included
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost