This Marangu Route 6-day climb known as the “Coca-Cola” route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory-style accommodation.
Life on Safari
- Elevation: 1,860 m → 2,700 m (6,100 ft → 8,875 ft)
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast and a briefing, you drive from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (about 1 hour). After registration at Marangu Gate, you begin your trek through lush rainforest.
The trail passes through dense vegetation where you may spot colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and giant eucalyptus trees. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of northern Tanzania and even Kenya on clear days.
You arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (budget mountain hut)
Meals & Drinks: Lunch & dinner included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,700 m (8,875 ft → 12,200 ft)
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
You leave the rainforest and enter moorland terrain with wide open views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
The landscape becomes dotted with giant lobelias and groundsels as you ascend gradually toward Horombo Hut. Altitude effects may begin to be felt.
You arrive at Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (budget mountain hut)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
Today is dedicated to acclimatization to increase your summit success chances.
Optional hikes to Zebra Rocks or toward Mawenzi Ridge allow your body to adjust to altitude while enjoying stunning mountain scenery.
You return to Horombo Hut for meals and overnight rest.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 3,700 m → 4,700 m (12,200 ft → 15,500 ft)
- Distance: 9 km
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
You continue across the “Saddle” — a barren lunar-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Vegetation disappears as you enter alpine desert conditions. This is a slow and steady hike to Kibo Hut, where you rest and prepare for summit night.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (budget mountain hut)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Summit Elevation: 5,895 m (19,340 ft)
- Total Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down
- Total Hiking Time: 12–15+ hours
- Habitat: Arctic / Glacial Zone
Around midnight, you begin your summit ascent under headlamps through steep scree toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim.
From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
This is the most physically demanding day of the trek.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, drinking water provided
- Elevation: 3,700 m → 1,700 m (12,200 ft → 5,500 ft)
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
You descend steadily through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.
After signing out and receiving your summit certificate, a vehicle transfers you back to Arusha or Moshi (approximately 3 hours).
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch included, dinner not included
- All Park entrances & taxes
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner),
- soft drinks & water (bottled water 3litres or more a day)
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities
- All transportation
- Tips for guides, driver & cook
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania Visa fees
- Porterage
- Rescue fee
- Climbing gear
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Note: We have a discount for kids under 15 years old
"Our guide Emmanuel was incredible — he spotted a leopard and two lion cubs that three other vehicles completely missed. The most magical experience of our lives."
"The private setup meant we could spend 45 minutes with a cheetah and cubs without feeling rushed. The lodges were far beyond what we expected."
"As first-time safari travelers, we were nervous. From the moment we arrived, Serengeti African Tours took care of everything. The Ngorongoro Crater literally took our breath away."
"Booked through SafariBookings and couldn't be happier. Every detail was handled perfectly. Guide Abouh is extraordinary — his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
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