🌿 Marangu Route
Known as the most comfortable and accessible route up Mount Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route is perfect for first-time climbers or those seeking a more relaxed adventure. It’s the only route with hut accommodations, offering cozy beds and shared dining halls—no tents required!
“Marangu was perfect for our first trek. Hot food, great guides, and I made it to the top!”
🌟 Quick Facts About the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s only hut-based trek, offering a unique blend of adventure and comfort. Nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s perfect for those who want a no-tent experience, scenic beauty, and a historically rich journey.
📅 Route Length: 5 or 6 Days – flexible based on your pace and acclimatization
📏 Distance: ~72 km (45 miles) – scenic and steady ascent to the summit
🏡 Accommodation: Mountain huts with beds – no camping, enjoy cozy shelter
⚖️ Difficulty Level: Moderate – gentle terrain but altitude can be challenging
📈 Success Rate: High with 6-day option – better acclimatization = better summit chance
🌤️ Best Months: January–March & June–October – dry, clear skies, and optimal trail conditions
🌿Why Choose Marangu?
🎒 No camping required – sleep in warm huts
Enjoy real beds and a roof over your head every night—no tents, no worries, just comfort. .
🌿 Rainforest to snowy summit in 6 days
A scenic journey through five distinct climate zones—each more beautiful than the last.
🏕️ Less gear = lighter logistics
Forget bulky camping gear—focus on the adventure, not the weight on your back.
👣 Historic route with rich cultural significance
Follow in the footsteps of the earliest Kilimanjaro pioneers—this is the original trail to the top.
💤 Hot meals, cozy beds, and shared facilities
Fuel up with warm, hearty meals and sleep soundly in mountain huts after a rewarding day of trekking.
🗓️ Marangu Route – 6 Days Itinerary Overview
🌱 “First climb? No worries—start strong, summit proud.”
Marangu Gate (1,870m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours 🌿Begin your trek through lush rainforest with chances to spot colobus monkeys and unique birdlife. Arrive at Mandara Hut for your first night in the mountain huts.
Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours 🍃The landscape transitions to moorland with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Overnight at Horombo Hut, perched with a beautiful alpine view.
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Optional Hike: Zebra Rocks (4,000m): 🏞️Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. A short hike to Zebra Rocks helps your body adjust and improves summit success chances.
Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours 🏔️Pass through alpine desert, a stark and silent terrain. Rest early at Kibo Hut in preparation for your midnight summit attempt.
Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut
Distance: 6 km ascent, 16 km descent | Hiking Time: 12–15 hours 🌄Midnight wake-up call for the summit push. Trek past Gilman’s Point and Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! After celebrating, descend back to Horombo Hut for the night.Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
Distance: 20 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours🌳 Descend through moorland and rainforest to the gate. Receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and celebrate your achievement with your team!
What Included and Not
Relax and focus on your adventure we handle all the details before you hit the trail:
🌍 Before You Climb: We've Got You Covered
- 2 Nights Hotel Stay in Moshi or Marangu ✅ Enjoy a cozy bed-and-breakfast stay to rest, recover, and prepare. Perfectly located for acclimatization and last-minute gear checks!
- Secure Luggage Storage ✅ Worried about excess bags? We offer safe, free storage at your hotel while you're on the mountain.
-
Round-Trip Transfers to the Trail
✅
No stress about transportation—we’ll drive you to the starting gate and pick you up at the finish line.
-
Altitude Sickness Survival Guide
✅
Get our exclusive 15-page printable guide packed with expert tips to beat altitude sickness and boost summit success.
-
Essential Travel Info Pack
✅
All your questions answered in one place—what to pack, how to train, currency tips, and more.
- Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off ✅ Seamless transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your hotel. We’ll be there waiting for you.
-
❌ What’s Not Included in Your Trek Package
- Flights & Airport Taxes 🚫
-
🧳 Personal Items
🚫 -
💵 Tips for Crew (Required)
🚫Appreciation for your amazing team:💰 Average: $200–$350 per hiker (covers guides, porters & cooks).
-
🛂 Entry Visa for Tanzania
🚫 -
💉 Vaccinations
🚫 -
🧾 Travel Insurance (Required)
🚫 -
🥾 Personal Gear
🚫 -
🚻 Portable Toilet Rental (Optional)
🚫
🏔️ What’s Included During Your Kilimanjaro Trek
- All Climbing Fees Handled ✅ Park entrance, camping/hut permits, and rescue team fees are fully included.
- Professional Mountain Team ✅ English-speaking, certified guides lead your trek—trained in safety, first aid, and mountain leadership.
-
Health Monitoring & Safety Gea
✅
• Chief guide carries a pulse oximeter for twice-daily health checks.
• Emergency oxygen and medical kits available on all hikes your safety is our top priority.
- Fair & Ethical Porter ✅ All staff are paid fairly under KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) guidelines.
-
Daily Meals & Hot Beverages
✅
Enjoy nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus warm drinks every day on the mountain.
-
Water Provided
✅
• 3L of bottled water on Day 1
• Safe, boiled drinking water from Night 1 onward
• Morning & evening water for washing up
- Top-Quality Camping Gear ✅ Four-season tents, comfy mats, mess tent, tables, chairs, and all cutlery provided. (For Marangu route, meals are served in huts.)
- Duffel Bag Porter Service ✅ One porter per hiker to carry up to 15kg (32 lbs)—focus on the trail, not your pack!
-
Summit Success Certificate
✅
Celebrate your climb with an official certificate of achievement.
- Private Climb at No Extra Cost ✅ Enjoy your adventure exclusively, no matter your group size we never mix groups.
❓Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about Marangu route
No! The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations. You’ll sleep in shared dorm-style mountain huts with real beds.
Yes, it’s often recommended for beginners thanks to its gentler slopes, clear trail, and the comfort of huts. The 6-day option also allows better acclimatization.
The trek typically takes 5 to 6 days. We recommend 6 days for better altitude adaptation and higher summit success.
Yes! While you’ll start in lush rainforest, the summit area is often snow-covered. It’s a stunning contrast of landscapes.
You don’t need to be an athlete. Basic fitness and the ability to walk for hours at a steady pace is enough. Determination and proper acclimatization matter more.
Yes, the Marangu Route is well-established and easier to navigate. It can be busier than other routes, but also more social.
Layered clothing, good hiking boots, headlamp, water bottles/hydration packs, sleeping bag liner, and personal items. Since you’re staying in huts, you can skip the tent gear.
Yes! You’ll be accompanied by experienced guides, porters, and a cook who support you from start to finish your safety and success are their priority.
The 6-day Marangu Route offers a higher summit success rate than the 5-day version. With good acclimatization and pacing, first-timers can absolutely make it to the top!
What to Pack
Pack smart, trek strong! 🎒 Get ready for Kilimanjaro with essential gear, cozy layers, and mountain-tested equipment for ultimate success. 🏔️
🔹 Broken-in hiking boots
- 🔹 Warm layers (night temps can drop to -12°C)
- 🔹 Waterproof gear
- 🔹 Broken-in hiking boots
-
🔹 Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Trust & Safety
- 24/7 Mountain Medical Support ✅ Professional health monitoring, including daily checks by certified guides trained in high-altitude care.
- Emergency Rescue Protocols ✅ Fully prepared for any situation, with oxygen, first aid kits, and evacuation plans in place.
- 95% Client Satisfaction Rate ✅ Real stories, real people, real success. Our track record speaks volumes—read our glowing reviews!
-
Locally Owned & Operated
✅ Born and raised at the foot of Kilimanjaro. No one knows this mountain like we do.
Our Trek Packages
🗺️ Carefully Crafted Treks for Every Adventurer.