📅
5-6 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895 mSummit Height
💰
$1,900From / Person
⭐
65%Summit Success
📏
EasyDifficulty
The Coca-Cola Route
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Marangu Route Overview
This is the easiest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, sometimes called the Coca-Cola Route. The Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across The Saddle, a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m, from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. From here an early start is made for the ascent to Uhuru Point (the highest top of Kibo).
The path zig-zags up steep scree which is easier to climb when frozen. The views from the crater rim at Gillman's Point at dawn can be spectacular. Uhuru Peak lies a further 1h30min. around the rim. Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatisation to the altitude is recommended at Horombo from where there are various walks to enjoy.
📅
5-6 DaysDuration
🏔
5,895mMax Altitude
💰
$1,900Per Person
⭐
65%Success Rate
Why Choose
Marangu Route Highlights
Hut Accommodation
Sleep in comfortable dormitory huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo — unique to the Marangu Route.
Mandara Huts
First night in the forest zone at the charming Mandara Huts, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Horombo Huts
A magical moorland camp with views of Mawenzi and distant Kilimanjaro summit.
Kibo Huts (4,703m)
The final base camp before the summit push — the highest hut camp on Kilimanjaro.
Midnight Summit Push
Start the summit attempt at midnight, aiming for Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
Summit Certificate
Receive your official KINAPA summit certificate at Marangu Gate on descent.
Day by Day
Full Itinerary
Click each day to expand the full details of that stage of the climb.
Register at the gate and begin trekking through the lush montane rainforest. The wide path is well-marked and steady. Arrive at Mandara Huts in the early afternoon with time to rest and explore.
Mandara Huts (2,720m)
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the open moorland zone, with striking views of Mawenzi Peak. The trail is well-graded and straightforward, arriving at the larger Horombo Huts complex.
Horombo Huts (3,720m)
The vegetation thins as you enter the alpine desert. The saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo is wide and exposed. Arrive at Kibo Huts, eat well and rest — the summit attempt starts at midnight.
Kibo Huts (4,703m)
Midnight departure up the steep scree slopes to Gillman's Point (5,685m), then on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend all the way back to Horombo Huts for a well-earned sleep.
Horombo Huts (3,720m)
The final descent back through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate, celebrate with your crew, and transfer back to your hotel.
Know Before You Go
Difficulty & Success Rate
Difficulty: Easy
EasyModerateVery Difficult
- ✓ Previous trekking experience recommended
- ✓ Good physical fitness required
- ✓ Acclimatisation schedule built into itinerary
- ✓ Guides and porters provided throughout
65%
Summit
Success
Success
The Marangu Route has one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro, thanks to its gradual acclimatisation profile.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All meals (full board) during the climb
- Experienced certified mountain guide
- Porters and cook
- All park and rescue fees
- Hut accommodation throughout the route
- Drinking water during the trek
- Summit certificate on completion
Not Included
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Visa to enter Tanzania
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, clothing)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
- Beverages other than drinking water
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
The "Coca-Cola Route" nickname reflects the route's reputation as the most comfortable and accessible option. In the early days, drinks including Coca-Cola were sold at the huts — a luxury that highlighted its relative comfort compared to camping routes.
We strongly recommend the 6-day itinerary. The extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Huts significantly improves your summit success rate. The 5-day option is very rushed and best suited to those with prior high-altitude experience.
The huts are basic but functional dormitory-style A-frame cabins sleeping 4–8 people per room. They have bunk beds with mattresses. Dining huts serve simple meals. There are toilets at each camp. They are not luxury lodges, but far more comfortable than camping.
The Marangu Route has a lower summit success rate (around 60–65%) primarily because climbers choose the shorter 5-day option, which does not allow sufficient acclimatisation time. With our recommended 6-day option and proper preparation, success rates improve significantly.
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