Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Ascend to the peak of the Kilimanjaro mountain on the Marangu route. This six-day or five day hike, on what is sometimes called the Coca-Cola route, follows a path with slowly increasing altitudes and accommodation in huts with running water, making it the way to the Uhuru peak that boasts the highest success rate.

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Sunrise at the roof top of Africa with AWAT
Mandara Hut with AWAT
Marangu Hut on Marangu Route with AWAT
Climb with the best, World Adventure Tours
The Marangu route, or the Coca-cola route, to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is a six-day hike with accommodation in huts with running water. The slow increase in altitude and the relative comfort of the huts make this the route the way to climb the mountain with the highest success rate. It isn’t a walk in the park, though by any means. The Uhuru peak will not be won without a struggle but the view from the summit is worth it all.

Why not check out the Lemosho route? Or if you’re up for a real challenge, check out the Whiskey Route for a hike of a lifetime! Please be sure to also look at our Nepal trips, start off by looking at our wonderful Annapurna trek.

 

Download Travel Plan as pdf

Day 1

KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI | SPRINGLANDS HOTEL    

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or similar overnight.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.

Day 2

MOSHI  |  MARANGU GATE  |  MANDARA HUT 

Altitude: 1,800 m –  2,720 m

Hiking time: 4 hours

Leave Springlands hotel at about 8:00 a.m. and drive 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate, such as registrations. Begin hiking at about 10:30 a.m. Hike through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut, which takes about 4 hours. Stop halfway for lunch. Reach the Mandara Huts at about 2 or 3 p.m. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during the early evening, at about 7 p.m. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings and the views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 3

MANDARA HUT  |  HOROMBO HUT 

Altitude: 2,720 m –  3,720 m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Wake up for breakfast (approx. 7:30 a.m.) and pack for the next leg. Break camp at about 8:30 am and hike to Horombo Hut. This leg should take 5 to 6 hrs. You travel through lower-heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts at about 3 p.m. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 4

HOROMBO HUT (Acclimatization Day)

This day you will have an extra day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for acclimatization. It will be great training for your body to get used to the altitude as you walk around the hut up to zebra rocks at an altitude of 4,100 m and back. You will get spectacular views and familiarize yourself with summit weather. You will overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 5

HOROMBO HUT  |  KIBO HUT 

Altitude: 3,720 m –  4,720 m

Hiking time: 6–7 hours

Wake up for breakfast as usual (if you wake before sun-up, you can get some great sunrise photos). Pack and begin the hike to Kibo Huts. The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heath land, while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. The day’s hike should take 6 to 7 hours, stopping halfway for lunch. There is no running water at Kibo Huts.

Day 6

KIBO HUT  |  SUMMIT | HOROMBO HUT

Altitude: 4,720 m –  5,895 m

Hiking time: 7 hours

Wake up to a light breakfast at around midnight, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out in the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 a.m. and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 a.m. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to UhuruPeak at about 8:30 a.m. From there, you will descend back to Kibo Huts, collect your things, and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts, where you will spend the night. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.

Day 7

HOROMBO HUT | MARANGU GATE | SPRINGLANDS HOTEL

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend to Mandara Huts. Have your lunch there and continue to the park gate, where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 2 or 3 p.m. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, Overnight in Springlands hotel. It is recommended to tip guides and porters. This is highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the main guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,759m) are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.

Day 8

MOSHI  |  KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. Zanzibar is a great trip to take after a hard climb. Other trips around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region can be arranged at a reasonable price.

Download Travel Plan as pdf

Day 1

KILIMANJARO AIRPORT – MOSHI | SPRINGLANDS HOTEL    

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Springlands Hotel or similar overnight.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.

Day 2

MOSHI  |  MARANGU GATE  |  MANDARA HUT 

Altitude: 1,800 m –  2,720 m

Hiking time: 4 hours

Leave Springlands hotel at about 8:00 a.m. and drive 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate, such as registrations. Begin hiking at about 10:30 a.m. Hike through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut, which takes about 4 hours. Stop halfway for lunch. Reach the Mandara Huts at about 2 or 3 p.m. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during the early evening, at about 7 p.m. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings and the views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 3

MANDARA HUT  |  HOROMBO HUT 

Altitude: 2,720 m –  3,720 m

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Wake up for breakfast (approx. 7:30 a.m.) and pack for the next leg. Break camp at about 8:30 am and hike to Horombo Hut. This leg should take 5 to 6 hrs. You travel through lower-heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts at about 3 p.m. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Day 4

HOROMBO HUT  |  KIBO HUT 

Altitude: 3,720 m –  4,720 m

Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but disappears into a “moonscape.” Dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

Day 5

KIBO HUT  |  SUMMIT | HOROMBO HUT

Altitude: 4,720 m –  5,895 m

Hiking time: 7 hours

Wake to a light breakfast around midnight, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out in the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 a.m. and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 a.m. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to UhuruPeak at about 8:30 a.m. From there, you will descend back to Kibo Huts, collect your things, and cross the saddle again at Horombo Huts, where you will spend the night. Eat dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.

Day 6

HOROMBO HUT | MARANGU GATE | SPRINGLANDS HOTEL

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend to Mandara Huts. Have your lunch there and continue to the park gate, where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. You should reach the park gate around 2 or 3 p.m. You will now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, Overnight in Springlands hotel. It is recommended to tip guides and porters. This is highly appreciated at the end of their trip. Tips can be given to the main guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5,759m) are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates.

Overnight at Springlands Hotel (bed and breakfast) or Similar.

Day 7

MOSHI  |  KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya. Zanzibar is a great trip to take after a hard climb. Other trips around Moshi and the Kilimanjaro region can be arranged at a reasonable price.

Moshi, TZ
6:26 am, October 14, 2023
21°C
clear sky
Wind: 2 mph
Pressure: 1015 mb
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:11 am
Sunset: 6:21 pm

To climb the Kilimanjaro Marangu route is a great option for those who want to climb Kilimanjaro without extensive mountaineering experience and who want to experience the beauty and culture of Tanzania.

  • The Coca-cola route has a high success rate, you stay in huts, and the trek is “easier” than the other routes.
  • We recommend that you take an acclimatization day to increase your chances.
  • We have hand-picked our qualified mountain guides and will adjust the trek for you so that you can make the summit.
  • This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Kilimanjaro Marangu route is one of Tanzania’s most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route due to the availability of Coca-Cola products along the way. The Marangu route is one of the oldest routes up Kilimanjaro and is well-established, with clear paths and comfortable huts for accommodation. Compared to some of the other routes up Kilimanjaro such as Lemosho and Machame, the Marangu route is considered a moderate difficulty trek. This means that you do not need extensive mountaineering experience to climb it. This trek offers scenic views of the mountain and its surrounding landscape, including lush rainforests, volcanic rocks, and glaciers. The Kilimanjaro Marangu route offers a chance to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, which is a great accomplishment and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How are the sleeping tents and the standard when I climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

On the Machame route and Lemosho route, you will be sleeping in tents. We use strong, waterproof, and durable tents on Mt Kili climb. The tents are capable of housing 2 to 3 people and are made to withstand tough mountain conditions. They are spacious and create even more room to store luggage. Meals are served in large, warm, and extremely strong tents with good head height and comfy camp chairs.

Do I need specialist equipment to trek Mt Kilimanjaro?

You don’t need to own your own specialist mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment that you may need in Tanzania. But bringing your own clothes, well-worn-in boots, and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid supplies, 3 liters of water, and snacks. Your packing list should include warm clothes (fleece, wind, and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headlamp. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If you think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please get in touch with us at sales@worldadventuretours.com

Are washrooms available along the climbing routes?

You can rent a portable toilet from the rental store at an extra cost.

Do I get provided drinking water during the trek?

Yes, Porters collect water from the streams, which is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You can use purification tablets if you have them with you. If you want bottled water up the mountain, you will have to pay extra.

Should I train before to prepare for my Mount Kilimanjaro climb? 

You do not need to train before your Kili climb. But, any previous experience or practice will help you increase your chance of making the top. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are, the more you are likely to enjoy it. It’s best to start your training at least three to six months before your planned climb. You can begin by incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine, such as jogging, hiking, or cycling, to improve your cardiovascular fitness and build endurance. You should also focus on strength training exercises that target your core, legs, and upper body, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. Strengthening these muscle groups will help you cope with the uphill climbs, rocky terrain, and long days of hiking.

What is the difference between the Lemosho route, the Marangu route, and the Machame route?

The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic routes to climb Kilimanjaro, as it offers stunning views of the mountain from different angles. It is also one of the longer routes, typically taking 7-8 days to complete. The Lemosho route starts on the mountain’s western side and gradually ascends through various landscapes, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts. This route is known for its high success rate due to its gradual ascent profile, allowing climbers to acclimatize well.

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most popular route to climb Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with sleeping huts instead of tents, which makes it a good option for those who prefer not to camp. The Marangu route is also the shortest route, typically taking 5-6 days to complete. However, due to the fast ascent profile, it has a lower success rate than other routes. The route starts on the southeastern side of the mountain and passes through forests, heathlands, and moorlands.

The Machame Route is considered one of the most challenging routes to climb Kilimanjaro due to its steep ascent profile and several high-altitude days. It is also one of the most scenic routes, offering panoramic views of the mountain and its surroundings. The Machame route typically takes 6-7 days to complete, starting on the southwestern side of the mountain and passing through rainforests, heathlands, and moorlands. This route is known for its high success rate due to its gradual ascent profile and good opportunities for acclimatization.

How many hours per day can I expect to walk on my Kili climb?

The number of hours per day you can expect to walk when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on the route you choose and your individual pace. Generally, you can expect to walk between 4 to 10 hours per day, depending on the route and the itinerary. Here’s a rough breakdown of the average walking hours per day on the three most popular routes:

Lemosho Route: On the Lemosho route, the average walking hours per day are between 5 to 8 hours, with some long days of up to 10 hours. This route has a more gradual ascent profile, allowing for better acclimatization and longer hiking days.

Marangu Route: The Marangu route is the shortest route, with an average walking time of 4 to 6 hours per day. The walking hours are shorter due to the route’s faster ascent profile, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Machame Route: The Machame route has an average walking time of 6 to 8 hours per day, with some long days of up to 10 hours. This route has a steeper ascent profile, which requires more effort and can lead to fatigue.

What is altitude sickness, and how can I avoid this?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition caused by exposure to high altitudes with low oxygen levels. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level, and can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary in severity but generally include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, altitude sickness can progress to more serious conditions, such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening. Suppose someone at some point is not able to continue the route. In that case, our mountain guides will accompany you down or off the mountain on a stretcher, by vehicle, or by air evacuation, depending on the urgency of the problem. Always inform the guides of your condition.

To avoid altitude sickness when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to take the following precautions:

Gradual ascent: Choose a route with a gradual ascent profile, such as the Lemosho or Machame routes, which allows for proper acclimatization. Ascend slowly, taking enough time to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Avoid climbing too quickly or spending too much time at high altitudes.

Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to stay hydrated and help your body cope with the altitude. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other diuretics, as they can dehydrate you and increase the risk of AMS.

Proper nutrition: Eat a balanced diet, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, to provide your body with the energy it needs to cope with the physical demands of the climb.

Medication: Consider taking medication, such as acetazolamide, under the guidance of a doctor to help prevent AMS.

Rest and recovery: Take breaks and rest when needed, especially if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness. Descend to lower altitudes, if necessary, to allow your body to recover.

What type of food can I expect to be served on my Mount Kilimanjaro climb?

Our cooks prepare delicious meals with fresh local ingredients. If you have any special meal requirements, please inform us beforehand at sales@worldadventuretours.com

Do you provide oxygen tanks?

We provide oxygen tanks and complementary pulsometers. 

When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which runs from late June to October and from December to February. The weather is generally dry and sunny during these months, making for better climbing conditions and clearer views. The dry season is divided into two seasons: the short dry season from late December to early February and the long dry season from late June to October. Both of these periods offer good climbing conditions, with the long dry season being the most popular time to climb Kilimanjaro. During the dry season, the temperatures are milder and more predictable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F) and nighttime temperatures ranging from 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F). There is also less precipitation, making the trails less muddy and slippery. While it’s still possible to climb Kilimanjaro during the wet season, from March to May and from November to early December, the weather can be more challenging, with heavy rainfall and cloudy conditions. The trails can also be more slippery and difficult to navigate, and clouds can obscure the views.

What is the Maximum Number of people per group?

Maximum of 8 people per group. If you are a larger group, then we can arrange this accordingly. Just contact us at sales@worldadventuretours.com

Do you recommend travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance before your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Also, check with your insurance beforehand that climbs over 5000m are included in the insurance. 

What is the success rate of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The success rate of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route, the length of the climb, and other factors such as individual fitness levels and weather conditions. The success rates depend on the route chosen and the number of days. Shorter routes have a low success rate compared to longer routes, with a success rate of 85-90%. The longer the route, the higher the success rate, as you get ample time for acclimatization.

Professional Climbing with AWAT

Included in the price:

  • 2 Nights accommodation at Springlands Hotel – Bed & Breakfast basis
  • All park fees
  • National Park-approved guides and porters
  • Accommodation on the mountain (Marangu Route accommodations are in huts).
  • Meals on the mountain
  • Transport from Moshi at Springlands hotel to the starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi at Springlands hotel

Excluded from the price:

  • International and Domestic flights
  • Visas
  • Tips to drivers, porters, and guides
  • Health Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Climbing gear – sleeping bags, shoes, etc

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