The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Known for being relatively straightforward and the only route with hut accommodations, it offers a more comfortable trekking experience.
After breakfast and a briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 45 minutes). Complete registration and begin your climb through the rainforest toward Mandara Hut. On the way, take a side trip to Maundi Crater for stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, a variety of birds, and Colobus monkeys.
Altitude: 5,500 ft (1,700 m) to 9,000 ft (2,740 m)
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Vegetation: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Mandara Hut
Leave the rainforest and ascend onto the open moorlands toward Horombo Hut. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo’s summit. Watch for giant lobelias and grounsels, and you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Altitude: 9,000 ft (2,700 m) to 12,100 ft (3,700 m)
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
Vegetation: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Horombo Hut
Continue your ascent, passing the last watering point and walking onto the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. As you reach higher altitudes, the vegetation transitions from heathland to a barren “moonscape.” At Kibo Hut, have dinner, rest, and prepare for the challenging summit climb the next day.
Altitude: 12,100 ft (3,700 m) to 15,400 ft (4,700 m)
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Kibo Hut
Depart very early (midnight to 2 AM) for the steep climb to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, continue your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with breathtaking views along the way. After reaching the summit, descend to Kibo for lunch and rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
This part of the trek is done in the dark, requiring headlamps or flashlights, and will be very cold until you begin descending. This is the most physically demanding section, involving many switchbacks, but going slowly (“pole pole”) and staying positive will help you reach your goal.
Altitude: 15,400 ft (4,700 m) to 19,340 ft (5,895 m)
Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down
Duration: 10-15 hours
Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Horombo Hut
After breakfast, begin your descent through the moorland, returning to Mandara Hut. Continue down through the lush forest path to the Marangu National Park gate. At lower elevations, the trail may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Wear shorts and a t-shirt but keep rain gear and warmer clothing nearby.
A vehicle will meet you at the Marangu village gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Be sure to tip your guides and porters before celebrating your accomplishment!
Altitude: 12,100 ft (3,700 m) to 5,500 ft (1,700 m)
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast
