The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the least expensive way to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and is the only route with sleeping huts at every campsite, complete with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, with sponge mattresses and pillows, offering 60 beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the lower huts, while basic men’s and ladies’ latrines are provided at the highest camp. Meals are shared in dining huts, creating a lively and international atmosphere among climbers from around the world. The route is usually completed in five days, making it the shortest path to the summit, but can be extended to six days for better acclimatization, with the extra day used for resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
MARANGU 5 DAYS
From $2,150 per person
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and a briefing, you will drive approximately one hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to register and begin the climb. From there, you walk through the lush rainforest on your way to Mandara Camp, passing towering eucalyptus trees and keeping an eye out for birdlife and playful Colobus monkeys. A side trip to Maundi Crater provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including northern Tanzania and Kenya.
Elevation: 1,860 m / 6,100 ft → 2,700 m / 8,875 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 h
Habitat: Montane forest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leaving the glades of the rainforest, you ascend through the open moorlands on your way to Horombo Camp, enjoying spectacular views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Along the trail, keep an eye out for giant lobelias and groundsels, iconic plants of the Kilimanjaro alpine zone. As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air, making this day important for acclimatization.
Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,875 ft → 3,700 m / 12,200 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 h
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today, you ascend past the last watering point and walk onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation transitions from upper heathland to a stark “moonscape”, with almost no plant life as you approach higher altitudes. Upon arrival at Kibo Camp, you will have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb that begins in the early hours of the next day.
Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,200 ft → 4,700 m / 15,500 ft
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 h
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 AM, you begin the final ascent to the summit. The climb is steep, over heavy scree or snow, leading first to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where breathtaking views await in every direction. Take time to capture photos at the summit to share with friends and family. After celebrating your achievement, you descend, stopping at Kibo Camp for lunch and rest before continuing back down to Horombo Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,500 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft up, down to 3,700 m / 12,200 ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi up, 15 km / 9 mi down
Hiking Time: 6–8 h up, 6–8 h down
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, you begin a steady descent through the moorlands to Mandara Hut, enjoying the changing scenery as you move from alpine zones back into lush forest. Continuing down the forested path, you reach the Marangu National Park Gate. At lower elevations, trails can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended, and shorts and t-shirts are usually sufficient, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, a journey of about one hour.
Elevation: 3,700 m / 12,200 ft → 1,700 m / 5,500 ft
Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 h
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost includes
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
All meals while on the Mountain
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Sleeping Mattress
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Hotel before and after the hike
Cost excludes
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
International and domestic flights
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Travel insurance
Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
Tips and gratuities
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
