Route description
Known as the 'Coca-Cola' route, Marangu is the only route with hut accommodation instead of tents. It approaches from the south-east and uses the same path up and down.
Highlights
- Sleep in mountain huts rather than tents
- Rainforest, giant lobelias and groundsels
- Crossing the lunar 'saddle' to Kibo
- Summit via Gilman's Point on the crater rim
- Kilimanjaro's oldest, classic route
Itinerary
Log entry · Day 00
Arrival and pre-climb briefing
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your hotel (bed and breakfast). Your head guide runs a briefing and gear check, and helps you hire anything you're missing.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
Log entry · Day 01
Marangu Gate (1,879m) to Mandara Huts (2,720m)
A 1-hour drive through Marangu village to the park gate, then 4–5 hours (8 km) through montane forest.
Overnight: Mandara Huts
Log entry · Day 02
Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Leave the rainforest for heathland and open moorland, looking out for giant lobelias and groundsels. 6–8 hours (11 km).
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Log entry · Day 03
Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts (4,720m)
A drier, dusty trail into the alpine desert, steep at the end. Rest and prepare for the summit. 3–4 hours (9 km).
Overnight: Kibo Huts
Log entry · Day 04
Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts
Wake at 11:30pm and climb past Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Kibo for rest, then on to Horombo. 10–14 hours.
Overnight: Horombo Huts
Log entry · Day 05
Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate, then Moshi
A 5-hour descent (19 km) to the gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Moshi.
Overnight: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel, Moshi
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Transport to and from the park gates
- Two nights' hotel accommodation in Moshi, before and after the climb
- All park entry, camping/hut and rescue fees
- Government taxes
- Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
- Pre-climb briefing and kit check
- Summit certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000m)
- Tips for your guides, cook and porters
- Personal trekking gear (available to hire)
- Snacks, drinks and personal items
- Extra nights or meals outside the itinerary