Mt. Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
6 Days 5 Nights
From
$1900
/pp
Overview
Known as the "Coca-Cola Route", the Marangu Route is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its reputation for being relatively gentle makes it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a comfortable and straightforward ascent.
- 🚶♂️ Easiest Trail to Navigate: Smooth paths and gradual slopes make this route ideal for first-time climbers.
- 🏠 Hut Accommodation: Marangu is the only route offering cozy mountain huts, so there’s no need to carry camping gear.
- 🌄 Challenging Summit Night: The final push to the top is steep and demanding, passing Gillman’s Point (5,681m) before reaching Stella Point (5,756m) and ultimately Uhuru Peak.
Included
- 🚐 Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel in Moshi (day before and after the trek)
- 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: One night in Moshi before your trek and one night after your descent
- 🎒 Baggage: Our dedicated porters will carry up to 14 kg of your personal gear
- 🍽️ Meals: All meals during your Kilimanjaro trek are fully included in the package price
- 🚰 Drinking water
- 🚙 Park Transport: Round-trip transfers to and from Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- 🎟️ Park Entry Fees: All required permits and entrance fees
- 🚶 All itinerary activities
- 🧑🤝🧑 24/7 on-ground support: Experienced mountain guides, dedicated porters, and a skilled chef
- 🏕️ Sleeping Huts: Beds and sleeping bags are provided
- 🚑 Emergency Support: Mountain rescue via ambulance if needed
Not Included
- ✈️ International flights
- 🛡️✈️ Travel Insurance
- 🛂 Tanzania entry visa
- 🏨 Extra hotel nights beyond those listed
- 🚐 Airport transfers if arriving more than 2 days before or leaving more than 2 days after the trek
- 🧺 Laundry services
- 🍺 Alcoholic beverages
- 💰 Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and chef (customary and appreciated)
- 🚁 Helicopter rescue services
- Any additional items not explicitly listed
Tour Details
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be greeted by your Kilimanjaro guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Once settled, your guide will conduct a detailed briefing and gear check to ensure you are fully prepared. Spend the evening at leisure, resting from your journey and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Meals Included: Dinner
Mandara Hut Elevation: 2,720m / 8,923ft
Distance: 8km / 4.97miles
Duration: ~4 hours
After breakfast, your adventure begins with a scenic transfer to Marangu Gate, the official starting point of the trek. The drive takes less than 3 hours and sets the stage for your climb.
From the gate, you will enter the lush Montane Forest zone, a vibrant ecosystem filled with towering trees and exotic birds. Midway through the hike, enjoy your packed lunch at Kisambioni picnic site, surrounded by nature. After lunch, continue your ascent to Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop on the mountain. Here, you will settle in, enjoy a warm meal, and rest up for the journey ahead.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Horombo Hut Elevation: 3,720m / 12,204ft
Distance: 11km / 6.84miles
Duration: ~5 - 6 hours
After breakfast, your journey continues as you ascend into the moorland zone, where the landscape opens up to rolling hills and unique high-altitude vegetation. Midway through the trek, enjoy a snack break and take in the fresh mountain air. As you climb higher, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo, two of Kilimanjaro’s iconic volcanic peaks. These dramatic vistas offer a glimpse of the summit goal ahead. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut in time for a hot lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon, dinner, and a peaceful overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As part of your journey to the summit, enjoy a scenic acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks, a striking natural formation named for its unique black-and-white volcanic stripes. Located at 4,020m (13,188ft), this short hike from Horombo Hut not only offers breathtaking views but also plays a crucial role in helping your body adjust to the altitude—boosting your chances of a successful summit. This is a great opportunity to stretch your legs, snap some incredible photos, and experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s alpine landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kibo Hut Elevation: 4,720m / 15,485ft
Distance: 9km / 5.6miles
Duration: ~6 hours
After breakfast, your journey continues into the stark beauty of the alpine desert zone, where the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic. As you trek, you will cross the saddle, a vast, windswept plateau that stretches between Kilimanjaro’s two iconic peaks: Mawenzi and Kibo.
You will arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon, where a hot meal awaits. Dinner is served early to give you plenty of time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341ft
Ascent Time: ~ 9 - 10 hours
Your summit adventure begins just after midnight with a warm cup of tea or coffee and light snacks. Equipped with headlamps and determination, you will ascend the steep trail with a slow pace, passing the historic Hans Meyer Cave (5,220m / 17,125ft) as you climb toward the crater rim. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5,681m / 18,638ft), where the golden light begins to warm the mountain and lift your spirits. From here, it is a steady 1–2 hour trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft)—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement with photos and a few unforgettable moments at the summit.
Afterward, descend back to Kibo Hut, where a hot meal and short rest await. Then continue your descent to Horombo Hut, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 19km / 11.8miles
Duration: ~7 hours
After an early breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps along the same scenic trail used during your ascent. The Marangu Route is unique in that it follows the same path up and down, offering a familiar yet rewarding farewell to the mountain.
After approximately 7 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your incredible achievement.
Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and well-earned relaxation awaits.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
FAQ
🎒 Baggage & Packing
How much baggage can porters carry for me? Our dedicated porters will carry up to 14 kg of your personal gear, ensuring your trek is more comfortable and manageable.
What type of bag should I bring? For ease of transport, we recommend using a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase.
Can you help me with packing? Absolutely! We provide a comprehensive kit list and expert guidance on essential items for a successful climb. Gear rental options are also available if you prefer not to purchase everything yourself.
Can I leave belongings not needed on the trek? Yes. Any items not required for the climb can be safely stored at the hotel until your return.
🍽️ Meals & Nutrition
Are meals included in the trek package? Yes. All meals are fully included in the package price, freshly prepared by our experienced mountain chefs to keep you energized throughout the journey.
What kind of food is served on the mountain? Expect hearty breakfasts, nutritious lunches, and warm dinners designed to fuel your climb. Meals are varied and balanced to meet the demands of trekking at altitude.
Can I bring my own snacks? Definitely. While we provide all main meals, you are welcome to bring extra snacks or personal favorites such as energy bars, nuts, or sweets for an added boost between meals.
High Season (June-October, December-March)
| Package | 1 person | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $1,900 | ||
| Classic | $2,100 | ||
| Premier | Upon request |