Tour Price
Prices are based on two adults sharing. Solo travelers and private groups, please contact us for a personalized quote.
Trip Info
Overview
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.
Destinations:
Itinerary Highligts
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut
Day 4: Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak & Down To Horomb Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) To Mandara Hut.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
- time taken: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) To Horombo Hut (3700m).
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
- Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
- time taken: 9 hours
- Accommodation: Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) To Kibo Hut (4700m).
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut which is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
- Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
- time taken: 7 hours
- Accommodation: Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) To Uhuru Peak (5895m) & Down To Horomb Hut (3700m).
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Accommodation: Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) To Marangu Gate (1860m).
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
- Accommodation: Parkview Inn
Departure Day
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.
- Meals: Breakfast
Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.
Good To Know
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.
Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Excludes
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs
- Travel insurance
Gallery
Most Frequently Asked Questions
There are seven main routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. Each route varies in difficulty, scenery, and duration. The Marangu Route is known as the "Coca-Cola" route and is the only one offering hut accommodations, while the Machame Route, also called the "Whiskey" route, is popular for its diverse and scenic paths. The Lemosho and Shira routes offer beautiful vistas and lower traffic, making them ideal for those seeking a more solitary experience. Rongai is the only route starting from the north, and the Northern Circuit is the longest route, offering the most acclimatization time. Umbwe is the steepest and most challenging route, recommended for experienced climbers.
The duration of the climb depends on the route chosen. Typically, it takes between 5 to 10 days to reach the summit and descend. For instance, the Marangu Route can be completed in 5-6 days, while the Lemosho Route generally takes 7-8 days. The Northern Circuit, being the longest, can take 9-10 days. Additional acclimatization days can improve summit success rates and overall experience.
The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons: from January to early March and from June to October. These periods offer the best weather conditions, with less rain and clearer skies. Climbing during the wet seasons, from April to May and November to December, can be more challenging due to muddy trails and poor visibility.
No technical climbing skills are required to climb Kilimanjaro. It is a non-technical trek, meaning no ropes or special equipment are needed. However, it is a physically demanding hike due to the high altitude and varying terrain. Good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are essential for a successful climb.
Accommodations on Kilimanjaro vary by route. The Marangu Route offers hut accommodations with basic facilities such as beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas. Other routes, such as Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, require camping in tents. Porters carry the camping equipment and set up the tents at designated campsites.
Physical preparation is crucial for a successful Kilimanjaro climb. It is recommended to start training at least 2-3 months before the climb. Focus on aerobic exercises such as hiking, running, and cycling to build endurance. Strength training for legs, core, and upper body will also be beneficial. Practice hiking with a backpack to simulate the conditions on the mountain.
Packing for Kilimanjaro requires careful consideration of the weather and terrain. Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing (layers), a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, and a headlamp. Other important items are sun protection, a first aid kit, hydration systems, and high-energy snacks. A detailed packing list is usually provided by tour operators.
Yes, altitude sickness is common on Kilimanjaro due to the rapid ascent to high altitudes. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Proper acclimatization, such as following the "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) approach, staying hydrated, and taking acclimatization days, can help mitigate the effects. Some climbers may also take medication like Diamox to prevent altitude sickness.
Yes, it is mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro with a licensed guide and porters. The Tanzanian government requires all climbers to be accompanied by a registered tour operator. Guides are experienced in navigation, first aid, and handling altitude-related issues, ensuring the safety and success of your climb.
The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro can vary widely depending on the route, duration, and tour operator. On average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 per person. This cost typically includes park fees, guide and porter fees, food, and accommodations. Additional expenses may include flights, gear, tips, and personal expenses.
Summit success rates vary by route and individual preparation. On average, the overall success rate for reaching the summit is around 65-75%. Routes that allow for more acclimatization days, such as Lemosho and Northern Circuit, generally have higher success rates, often exceeding 85%.
The food provided on Kilimanjaro is typically high in carbohydrates and calories to meet the energy demands of the climb. Meals often include porridge, bread, fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, and meat. Vegetarian and special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with prior notice. Hydration is also crucial, and climbers are encouraged to drink plenty of water and hot beverages like tea.
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