Hike Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route - 6 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female30%
- Male70%
Average age
Start / End
- Moshi
- Moshi
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 20Meals included
17Highlights
- Diverse Landscapes: Journey through lush rainforests, expansive moorlands, alpine deserts, and summit at a snow-capped peak.
- Comfortable Accommodation: The only Kilimanjaro route with dormitory-style mountain huts, providing shelter and comfort.
- Scenic Views: Spectacular sights of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, along with panoramic vistas from the summit.
- Summit Achievement: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for an unforgettable sunrise and sense of accomplishment.
- Accessibility: Gradual slope and structured itinerary make it ideal for beginner trekkers seeking a memorable adventure.
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Summary
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular and iconic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique and more comfortable trekking experience compared to other routes. Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is known for its gradual ascent, making it the least physically demanding of all the Kilimanjaro routes. The trek is well-suited for those who prefer a less strenuous climb, as it follows a steady path with fewer steep inclines.
One of the key features of the Marangu Route is that it offers hut accommodation at each stop, making it the only route on the mountain to do so. Unlike other routes where trekkers camp in tents, climbers on the Marangu Route stay in dormitory-style huts, which provides a more comfortable and sheltered experience, especially in colder weather.
The trek typically takes five days to complete, although it is strongly recommended to add an extra acclimatisation day to improve your chances of successfully reaching the summit. Spending an additional day helps your body adjust to the altitude, increasing the likelihood of a successful summit. While the route is considered less challenging, the summit push is still a serious undertaking, requiring determination and resilience.
The Marangu Route offers stunning views of the mountain and a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows. It’s a fantastic choice for climbers looking for a balanced trek with good comfort and a high summit success rate.
Itinerary
Day 1
Begin Your Adventure – Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
The journey starts with a scenic drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate, passing through local villages and lush farmland. At the gate, complete registration and meet your team of guides and porters. The trek begins through Kilimanjaro’s dense rainforest, with towering trees and the sounds of wildlife creating a magical atmosphere. The path winds upward, and while muddy and slippery at times, it offers glimpses of colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. Arrive at Mandara Huts, nestled in the forest, for a warm meal and rest.
Distance: 8.3km / 5mi Elevation: 1,905m to 2,723m | Altitude Gain: 818m Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Traverse the Moorlands – Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
Leave the rainforest behind and ascend into Kilimanjaro’s moorland zone, where vegetation becomes sparse, and giant lobelias and groundsels dot the landscape. As the trail winds upward, enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi, the second-highest peak on Kilimanjaro. Stop midway for lunch amidst this surreal environment. By late afternoon, reach Horombo Huts, offering stunning vistas of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The cooler temperatures signal the changing environment as you settle in for the night.
Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi Elevation: 2,723m to 3,721m | Altitude Gain: 998m Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Acclimatisation and Exploration – Horombo Huts
Spend the day acclimatising to the higher altitude, an essential step for a successful summit. Take an optional trek to Mawenzi Base Camp, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged landscape. Alternatively, enjoy a day of rest at Horombo Huts, soaking in the crisp mountain air and preparing for the ascent ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Crossing the Saddle – Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
After breakfast, embark on a trek through Kilimanjaro’s famous saddle, a vast expanse of alpine desert connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The surreal moonscape terrain offers a stark yet captivating contrast to the lush rainforest below. Stop for lunch amidst this arid wilderness before continuing to Kibo Huts, the final base camp. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the midnight summit attempt.
Distance: 10.5km / 6mi Elevation: 3,721m to 4,714m | Altitude Gain: 993m Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
KISummit Success – Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Huts
Begin the summit push in the early hours, ascending under a starlit sky. The trail is steep and challenging, with switchbacks across scree and snow. Pause at Gilman’s Point for a brief rest and watch the sunrise, a magical reward for your efforts. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where stunning views and the thrill of achievement await. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Huts for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Huts for the night.
Distance: 6.25km / 3.9mi (up) + 15.75km / 9mi (down) Elevation: 4,714m to 5,895m | Altitude Gain: 1,181m | Descent to 3,721m | Altitude Loss: 2,174m Hiking Time: 10-13 hours (total) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
eturn to the Lowlands – Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate and Moshi
Enjoy a final morning on the mountain as you descend through the heathland and rainforest zones. Stop at Mandara Huts for lunch and a chance to bid farewell to your trekking team. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, collect your summit certificate, a proud reminder of your incredible achievement. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest at your hotel.
Distance: 20km / 12.5mi Elevation: 3,721m to 1,905m | Altitude Loss: 1,816m Hiking Time: 6-7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
What's Included
Accommodation
Sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
Meals
Breakfasts: 6, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 5
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 14%Fri 15 Aug 2025 > Wed 20 Aug 20256+ spaces of 20 left£1,534Best offer£1,319
- Save 14%Sun 17 Aug 2025 > Fri 22 Aug 20256+ spaces of 20 left£1,534Best offer£1,319
- Save 14%Fri 22 Aug 2025 > Wed 27 Aug 20256+ spaces of 20 left£1,534Best offer£1,319
- Save 14%Sun 24 Aug 2025 > Fri 29 Aug 20256+ spaces of 20 left£1,534Best offer£1,319
Customer reviews & ratings
If you’re thinking of climbing Kilamanjaro, then I can not recommend highly enough Will and his team from Almighty! They were absolutely superb! I had the best experience and the food was better than the food I had in the hotel! Will goes out of his way to make sure you are comfortable along the whole journey! I will definitely be going again and booking again with almighty I will be asking for Will! But this time we’re going the hardest route! Thanks again Will and your team!
Adventurer284162 VerifiedMy trip to Kilimanjaro was fantastic. From the start I was very well looked after, including equipment check, a brief introduction and hotel pick up the following day. The trekking experience was really nice, the sleeping huts cosy and the food was great. The whole crew and the guides Murati and Paul were very friendly and caring, also catering for extra wishes. Highlight was the summiting of Mount Kilimanjaro when the crew really went the extra mile to support our team. I can highly recommend this company if you are planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Anonymous Feb, 2023 Verified
Essential trip information
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