About Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, especially for first-time climbers visiting Tanzania. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it offers simple sleeping huts and shared dining areas, making it more comfortable than camping. In today’s growing tourism industry, Marangu remains a top choice for travelers looking for an easier and shorter climb—usually 5 to 6 days—while still enjoying Kilimanjaro’s beauty. With Tanzania welcoming more visitors each year, Marangu continues to attract those who want a safe and scenic trekking experience.
Day by Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,870m to 2,700m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Start at Marangu Gate with registration and briefing. The trek begins through lush rainforest filled with birds and monkeys. Arrive at Mandara Hut, where you’ll rest in dorm-style accommodation. Optional short walk to Maundi Crater for views of Kenya on clear days.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Trek through heathland and moorland, where the trees thin out and giant groundsels begin to appear. Scenic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks begin to emerge. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (highly recommended)
Elevation: 3,720m
Take a short acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge. This extra day helps improve summit success by allowing your body to adjust to the altitude, a popular trend among responsible trekking companies.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Cross the alpine desert zone—dry, dusty, and dramatic. The trail is open and gradual but tougher due to the altitude. Early dinner and rest at Kibo Hut in preparation for the summit push.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then back to 3,720m
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours
Start the summit attempt around midnight. Trek to Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then onward to Uhuru Peak—the roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend carefully to Kibo for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Final descent through moorland and rainforest. Receive your summit certificates at the gate. Most trekkers now celebrate their achievement with a local cultural visit or eco-friendly souvenir shopping near Moshi.
Marangu Route FAQ’s
Yes, many consider the Marangu Route to be the easiest in terms of trail conditions and comfort. The path is well-defined and has gradual slopes, making it manageable for beginners. However, the shorter acclimatization time (typically 5 days) can make it harder to adjust to the altitude.
The Marangu Route is nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” because soft drinks and snacks used to be sold at the huts along the trail. It’s also a reference to the route’s relative comfort compared to others—offering huts instead of tents, which many travelers find more convenient.
The huts are basic but clean and provide more shelter than tents. Each hut has bunk beds with mattresses and shared washrooms. While not luxurious, they offer protection from the mountain weather and are a major reason why some trekkers choose this route.
Because the route is often completed in just 5 days, the success rate is lower compared to longer routes. Many guides recommend adding an extra acclimatization day to increase your chances of reaching the summit. With 6 days, the success rate improves significantly.
Marangu is one of the busiest routes, especially during high season (June to October and December to March). Trekkers should expect more people on the trail and at the huts, but it also means the route is well-supported and regularly maintained.
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Email: info@amoaexperience.co.tz
P.O.Box 11429 Arusha, Tanzania
