What are the huts like on the Marangu Route?

Marangu huts provide basic but comfortable accommodation with bunk beds, dining areas, and basic facilities. They offer protection from the elements and a warmer sleeping environment than tents.

Why is Marangu called the Coca-Cola Route?

It earned this nickname because Coca-Cola was once sold at the huts along the route, symbolizing its popularity and relative comfort compared to camping routes.

Should I add an acclimatization day on Marangu?

Highly recommended! The optional extra day at Horombo Hut significantly increases success rates from 65% to 80%. This climb-high, sleep-low day is worth the investment.

Is Marangu easier than other routes?

While Marangu offers hut accommodation, it has a lower success rate (75%) due to the shorter 6-day itinerary. The climb itself is no easier than other routes.

Home Kilimanjaro RoutesMarangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - 5,895m

Marangu Route

Duration

6 Days

Distance

72 km

View Itinerary

Difficulty

Moderate

Steady climbs that call for good fitness and determination

Success Rate

75%

Very Good success rate

Route Logistics

Marangu Gate

Finish: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Group size: Up to 15 climbers
Minimum age: 10+ years
Max altitude: 5895m

Route Highlights

Hut accommodation (more comfortable)

Same path up and down

Elevation Profile

1870m

4703m

Sleeping altitude

Peak altitude (if higher)

Hover chart for details

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What's Included

What You Get

Professional mountain guide & support crew
All Kilimanjaro park fees and permits
Three chef-prepared meals daily on the mountain
Hut accommodation with bunk beds
Daily treated drinking water and hot beverages

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Marangu Route - 6 Days - 75% Success Rate

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

4-5 hours

8km

2700m

Begin the "Coca-Cola Route" at Marangu Gate (1,870m), the most popular Kilimanjaro starting point. This is the only route offering hut accommodation instead of camping. Trek through lush montane rainforest with colobus monkeys and exotic birdlife. The well-maintained trail gradually ascends to Mandara Hut (2,700m) after 4-5 hours. The huts provide basic but comfortable accommodation with bunk beds. This route is popular for its relative comfort, though the shorter duration can challenge acclimatization.

RainforestMandara Hut

Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

6-8 hours

12km

3720m

Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend through the heather and moorland zone. The trail offers increasingly spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding landscape. Horombo Hut (3,720m) is a large facility accommodating many climbers. The huts have dining areas and basic facilities. The Marangu Route's popularity means you'll meet many other climbers. The shorter itinerary means less time for acclimatization, so pace yourself and hydrate well. Rest in the comfortable hut accommodation.

MoorlandHorombo Hut

Day 3 - Horombo Hut - Acclimatization Day

3-4 hours (optional hike)

0km

3720m

An optional but highly recommended acclimatization day. Take a day hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) before returning to Horombo Hut. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy significantly improves summit success chances. Many climbers skip this day to save time, but statistics show it dramatically increases success rates. Use the day to rest, hydrate, and let your body adapt. The hut accommodation makes this rest day more comfortable than camping routes. Consider this day essential for summit success.

MoorlandHorombo Hut

Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

5-7 hours

10km

4703m

Ascend to Kibo Hut (4,703m), your base for the summit attempt. The trail crosses the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a vast high-altitude desert. The landscape is stark and lunar-like. Kibo Hut is basic but functional, with bunk beds for resting before summit night. Arrive early afternoon to maximize rest. The Marangu Route's shorter duration means less acclimatization time, making summit night more challenging. Your guides will brief you on the climb ahead. Early dinner and rest are crucial.

Alpine DesertKibo Hut

Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

12-14 hours

21km

3720m

Summit night begins around midnight. The ascent to Gilman's Point (5,681m) is steep and challenging, following a zigzag path up the crater wall. The shorter acclimatization period makes this more difficult than longer routes. Reach the crater rim at sunrise for spectacular views. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Africa's highest point! Celebrate briefly, then descend to Kibo Hut for rest. Continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night. The descent is long but the hut provides welcome comfort.

Arctic/AlpineHorombo Hut

Day 6 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

5-7 hours

20km

1870m

Your final descent retraces your steps down through the moorland and rainforest. The Marangu Route is unique in using the same path up and down. The thick, oxygen-rich air feels wonderful after days at altitude. Enjoy the familiar trail and reflect on your achievement. Reach Marangu Gate (1,870m) where you'll receive your summit certificate. The hut accommodation made your journey more comfortable, though the shorter duration presented challenges. Celebrate with your team and transfer to your hotel.

Moorland/RainforestMarangu Gate

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Route Highlights

Elevation Profile

Peak Season Filling Fast

What's Included

What You Get

Marangu Route Gallery

Prepare for Your Climb

Tanzania Safari Packing List

Complete Guide to Planning Your Tanzania Safari in 2025

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Your Details

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Day 2 - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 3 - Horombo Hut - Acclimatization Day

Day 4 - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 5 - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Day 6 - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Quick Facts

Packing Essentials

Training Tips

Altitude Safety

What You'll Need

Kilimanjaro Route FAQs

What are the huts like on the Marangu Route?

Why is Marangu called the Coca-Cola Route?

Should I add an acclimatization day on Marangu?

Is Marangu easier than other routes?

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