Marangu Trekk Route
Tour Overview
Marangu Trekk Route
The Marangu Route also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has hut accommodation for trekkers.
This route is can be done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Arrival & Briefing
If you have requested for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in a pre-trek briefing, check your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY
After breakfast drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ascending, now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
What the best time to go?
For a 5‑Day Marangu Route (Mount Kilimanjaro), the best time to go is during the dry and stable weather seasons, which offer clearer views and safer trekking conditions.
Best Time to Climb – Marangu Route
January to March (Very Good)
- Warm temperatures
- Less crowded trails
- Possible snow near the summit
- Good for photographers
- Slight chance of short rains, but usually manageable
Best for:Quiet climbs, scenic views, experienced trekkers
June to October (Best & Most Popular)
- Dry, stable weather
- Clear summit views
- Cooler temperatures (especially at night)
- Busiest season
Best for:First‑time climbers, high success rates, group climbs
Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Experienced, mountain guides
- Park fees
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Exclusions
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional)
- Transfers (available as an optional)
- Personal equipment list for Mount Kilimanjaro. Trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for renting)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
Marangu Trekk Route
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