Kilimanjaro Climb Via Marangu Route

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Duration8 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
CountryTanzania
Maximum Altitude5,895 m
StartsMoshi, Tanzania
EndsMoshi, Tanzania
Travel StyleHiking and climbing
Best TimeJanuary to March and June to October

The 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route is the oldest climbing path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trekkers also called this route the Coca-Cola Route in Tanzania. 

Highlights of the Trip

  • Views of the snowcapped peaks like Kibo, Mawenzi, Meru, glaciers like Furtwängler. Rebmann and Ratzel, and icefields like Northern Icefield.
  • Trekking through the four distinct zones, rainforest (montane forest), heath and moorland, alpine desert (The Saddle), and the arctic summit.
  • Chance to spot Blue and Colobus monkeys in the rainforest.
  • Acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge.
  • Night stay in the shared wooden A-frame huts.
  • Challenging midnight ascent to Uhuru pea via Gillman’s point.

A Brief Overview 

The Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route, also known as the Coca-Cola route, is the most established path to Mount Kilimanjaro. There are communal huts as accommodation instead of camping. The itinerary is 8 days.

From day 1 of the 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route itinerary, we will be on a trip. First, you will be transferred to a hotel in Moshi. There, you will get a short briefing and prepare for the trip.

Then, you will travel to Marangu Gate and trek to Uhuru Peak, crossing the sites like Mandarra Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut. The returning trip includes descending from Uhuru Peak summit to the Marangu gate through Kibo Hut and Horrombo Hut. Then, you will depart to your destination.

During this whole course of the trip, you will see the views of the snowcapped peaks like Kibo, Mawenzi, and Meru; glaciers like Furtwängler, Rebmann, and Ratzel; and icefields like the Northern Icefield. You may also spot wildlife like blue and colobus monkeys in the rainforest.

Why Choose the Marangu Route for climbing Kilimanjaro?

  • Marangu route features the hut accommodation equipped with basic mattress and pillows. 
  • It is the easiest route with a more gradual incline and direct path to the summit.
  • The expenses of the tent and porters will be zero making the overall cost less.
  • The path offers stunning views of the snowcapped peaks like Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
  • It goes through the rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

Why Choose us for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu route?

3S: Safety, Spirit, and Satisfaction

We are the best local trip operator. Booking a Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route for 2026 with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude ABC treks.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise.
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the trip.
  • Porter Service: A free porter to help carry your heavy bags.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

Our representative will pick you up from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to the hotel at Moshi. On this day, you will rest in the hotel room or explore the marketplaces around the hotel.

Max Altitude: ~950 m Duration: ~50 minDistance: ~41 km

This day of the Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route itinerary includes driving to the Marangu Gate. There, we will complete necessary formalities. Then we will trek to the Mandara Hut through the rainforest zone. We will probably reach there in the late afternoon for dinner. This is your first night in the mountains.

Max Altitude: ~2,700 m Duration: ~4-6 hrsDistance: ~9 km

Today, we will start the trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo with a steady ascent. The terrain transits from lush rainforest to open moorland. Then, we will come across the circular edge from where kibo and mawenzi peaks are visible. As we come near, you can see the large camps with wooden huts called Horombo huts. 

Max Altitude: ~3,700 m Duration: ~5-7 hrsDistance: ~11 km

This day is dedicated to acclimatization day. We will hike to Zebra Rocks in mid-morning to acclimatize properly. From the trail, Giant Lobelia and Giant Groundsel are visible. After the completion of this hike, we will return to Horombu Hut. 

Max Altitude: ~4,020 m Duration: ~5-6 hrsDistance: ~5 km

Continuing further, we will trek from Horombu Hut to Kibo Hut with a high-altitude ascent through the upper heat and moorland zones. On the way, we will come across the last water point and saddle crossing. The terrain transitions to more barren with sparse vegetation and a flat surface until we reach the Kibo hut. 

Max Altitude: ~4,700 m Duration: ~5–7 hrsDistance: ~9 km

Summit day is challenging. We will trek to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut from midnight to sunrise. The terrain is steep, frozen loose scree, and rocky. The sections like crater rim and Gilman Point will come where there will be steep zigzags. After reaching the top, we will descend to Horombo Hut, crossing Kibo Hut.

Max Altitude: ~5,895 m Duration: ~14 hrsDistance: ~21 km

As the final trekking day of Kilimanjaro climbing via the Marangu route itinerary, we will trek to Marangu Gate through dense tropical rainforest. We will wait at the Marangu gate for the official national park register and then drive back to the hotel room in Moshi.

Max Altitude: ~1,860 m Duration: ~5-6 hrsDistance: ~19 km

As the last day of the Kilimanjaro climbing via the Marangu route itinerary, you will depart to your destination. We will drop you off at the airport and bid a bye. 

Max Altitude: ~950 m Duration: ~50 minDistance: ~41 km
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Essential Info

Kilimanjaro climbing via the Marangu route: difficulty, duration, and distance

The Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route's difficulty is graded as moderate. The path features a gradual, steady incline with fewer steep sections than other routes. But it has the lowest summit success rate because of the rapid ascent. The major risk is altitude sickness.

The total Marangu Route Kilimanjaro distance is around 72 km (45 miles) round trip; the average duration per day of trekking includes 6-8 hours.

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the two dry seasons. I.e., January to early March and June to October (peak climbing season). This period offers favorable weather conditions, clear views, and the safest trail conditions.

Especially in the June to October period, there are the highest success rates, estimated at 85% or higher for well-prepared climbers. The con is that the period coincides with European or North American summer holidays, flooding the trails with trekkers. 

The months from January to early March are warmer. The crowds are fewer with excellent morning visibility. The con is that there is a higher chance of snowfall at the summit. It can increase the difficulty, especially during the summit push time. 

The bad idea is an 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route during the rainy season. So, avoid it.

Accommodation and food on the Marangu route

On the Marangu route, you can see the permanent hut accommodations instead of camping. It features three main hut camps in the Mandala, Horombu, and Kibo areas. In these huts, travelers can get dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and mattresses. 

In those camps, the food available is also limited. The meals are prepared by the mountain crews and served in communal dining halls at each hut. 

The trekkers can get 

  • Porridge, eggs, sausages, pancakes, toast, and fruit are breakfast options. 
  • sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken, and fruit as lunch, 
  • Hot drinks (coffee, tea, and cocoa) served with snacks like popcorn, peanuts, or biscuits as an afternoon tea,
  • and pasta, rice, or potatoes) with meat or vegetable stew, and fruit for dessert as dinner. 

Accommodation amenities

The lower huts in Mandara and Horombu feature running water and flushing toilets. While in the kibo hut, there are pit latrines and buckets of water. But the trekkers have to adjust in terms of showers. Porters provide a bowl of warm water twice daily for washing. The wifi or mobile signals may be available in the camps like Horombo or Kibo.

Cost

The cost of the Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route package is around US$2,590 to US$2,800 for a standard 8-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route. It includes airport transfers, accommodations, food, permits, and other things.

Equipment needed for the trip

Essential clothing like thermal tops and bottoms, soft-shell jackets, trekking pants, hardshell jackets and trousers, insulated down parkas, warm fleece pants, a sun hat (brimmed), a warm beanie, and a buff or neck gaiter.

  • Footwear and handwear like hiking boots, socks, sandals, thin liner gloves, outer gloves, trekking poles, and headlamps. 
  • Technical equipment like a 4-season sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, a 2–3 L water bladder (with an insulated tube) plus 1–2 wide-mouth Nalgene bottles.
  • Health and hygiene like high SPF sunscreen, SPF lip balm, category 3 or 4 polarized sunglasses, essential medications, biodegradable wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.

Tips to make the trip better

  • Check all the gears and equipment going for the trip.
  • Inform the guide about the dietary preferences so they can arrange accordingly.
  • Walk slowly from day one even if you feel energetic.
  • Consult the doctor before going for the trek.
  • Study the Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route map so that you don’t miss the important things. 
  • Stay hydrated during the trek and have snacks to maintain the hydration and energy levels.
  • Take acclimatization hikes seriously.
  • Use the three-layer system for the summit night. 
  • Pack plenty of wet wipes and hand sanitizers, as there are no shower facilities on the way.
  • Bring familiar high-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, and chocolate to supplement mountain meals. 
FAQs

The marangu route on Kilimanjaro mountain is around 72 km (45 miles) long round trip.

The 8 days of Kilimanjaro climb via marangu route distance is around approximately 64 to 72 kilometers (40–45 miles) gate-to-gate.

Yes, the 5 day Kilimanjaro climb via marangu route is possible. But, it may be challenging due to rapid ascent. The success rate through this itinerary is low. And the risk of you getting altitude sickness is high. 

Kilimanjaro marangu route success rate is around 50% to 70%.

Yes, the marangu route on Kilimanjaro mountain is filled with permanent dormitory-style huts at three main, designated stopover points along the trail: Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo.

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