The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular and one of the oldest routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its relatively gentle and gradual ascent, making it a good option for climbers who are new to high-altitude trekking. Here’s an overview of the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro trail offering hut accommodation instead of tents, making it ideal for trekkers seeking added comfort and simplicity. It is also the oldest and most established route on the mountain.
Starting on the southeastern side, Marangu leads climbers through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes. The trail follows a gentle and steady ascent, using the same path up and down, which makes logistics straightforward — but limits scenic variety.
While it is considered one of the easier paths due to its gradual slope and accommodation, the 5-day version has lower summit success rates due to limited time for acclimatisation. A 6-day itinerary is strongly recommended.
Route Type: Ascent and descent via Marangu (same path)
Duration: 5 or 6 days (6 days recommended)
Total Distance: ~72 km
Success Rate: ~50% (5-day) / ~70% (6-day)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best For: Trekkers seeking hut accommodation and easier logistics
Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert
Distance: 8 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest
Begin your trek through lush montane forest. Expect to see blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and vibrant flora. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Distance: 12 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Habitat: Moorland
Climb through heath and moorland zones with wide views of Mawenzi. Reach Horombo Hut — your base for the next two nights.
Optional Hike: Horombo → Zebra Rocks (4,000m) and back
Take a short acclimatisation trek to increase summit success chances. Rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6–8 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the stark Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut by afternoon for rest and summit prep
.
Distance: 21 km | Time: 12–16 hrs | Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Midnight summit push via Gilman’s Point. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise — Africa’s highest point! Descend to Horombo for a well-earned rest.
Distance: 20 km | Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest
Return through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement.
Feature | Details |
Route Type | Out-and-back via Marangu Route |
Distance | ~72 km total |
Summit Elevation | 5,895 metres (Uhuru Peak) |
Days on Route | 5 or 6 |
Crowds | High |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Recommended For | First-time trekkers, those preferring huts |
Success Rate | ~50% (5-day), ~70% (6-day) |
The Marangu Route is great for:
We provide guided Kilimanjaro climbs via the Marangu Route, led by experienced local guides and a dedicated mountain crew.
All packages include:
The Marangu Route is often chosen by climbers who prefer more comfortable accommodations in mountain huts rather than camping. The gradual ascent and availability of huts make it a good choice for those who are new to high-altitude trekking or prefer a bit more comfort on the mountain.
However, it’s important to note that while the Marangu Route is considered more straightforward, it still poses altitude-related challenges, especially during the summit attempt.
