"The Coca-Cola Route" Overview
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular trails to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, earning its nickname “Coca-Cola Route” for its relative ease and the availability of hut accommodations. Unlike other routes, Marangu features cozy, shared dormitory-style huts, sheltering trekkers from the elements. This route is favored for its direct path to the summit, making it a great choice for beginners or those seeking a less rugged adventure. However, its rapid ascent makes proper acclimatization crucial. Along the way, trekkers journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows, and eventually to the snow-capped summit at Uhuru Peak.
The Marangu Route offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience for those who appreciate a structured, scenic, and relatively comfortable trek.
Best Time to Use the Marangu Route
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is January to March and June to October, when the weather is dry, and the skies are clear. The route can still be attempted during the short rainy seasons, but trekkers may encounter mud, clouds, and occasional snow.
Route Success Rates
Over the past decade, we’ve gathered extensive data on summit success rates for all Kilimanjaro routes, and we’re confident in their accuracy. Below are the success rates for our Marangu route expeditions:
- Marangu 5-day itinerary: Uhuru Peak – 83.8%; Crater Rim – 88.0%
- Marangu 6-day itinerary: Uhuru Peak – 86.6%; Crater Rim – 93.14%
Quick Route Note
Scenery
Good
Traffic
High
Difficulty
Medium
Price Per Person (5-Day Marangu Route)
| 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,750 | $1,720 | $1,690 | $1,660 | $1,630 |
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m)
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins through lush rainforest, where you may encounter colobus monkeys and other wildlife. The trail ascends gradually, leading to Mandara Hut, located on the edge of the rainforest. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut
Meal Plan:
Dinner and BreakFast
DAY 2: Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
After breakfast, continue your ascent through the moorland zone, passing the Maundi Crater. The landscape opens up, providing stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut, where you’ll spend the night. The hut offers impressive views of the summit.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
After breakfast, trek through the alpine desert, crossing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail is relatively flat, but the altitude makes the hike challenging. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation:
Kibo Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4: Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
The summit attempt begins at midnight, with a steep and challenging ascent to Gilman’s Point, followed by a trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit and taking in the breathtaking views, begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. Continue descending to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) ascent to Uhuru Peak + 16 km (10 miles) descent to Horombo Hut
- Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to the summit, 5-6 hours descent to Horombo Hut
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Accommodation:
Horombo Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m)
After breakfast, continue descending through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner
Cost Inclusions
- All park fees, entrance fees, and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Certified and experienced English-speaking Guides
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Visas & vaccinations
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
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