The Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," holds a unique distinction on Kilimanjaro — it is the only trail where climbers sleep in established mountain huts rather than tents. Bunk beds with mattresses at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts provide a level of shelter and comfort not found on any other route.
Mandara and Kibo each accommodate around 60 trekkers in bunk-style dormitories, while Horombo can house approximately 120. Each hut has a dining area and basic washing facilities. The trail itself is well-marked and follows a consistent gradient, making it one of the more accessible routes for newcomers to high-altitude trekking.
While the route is shorter and less visually dramatic than some alternatives, its comfort and familiarity make it a popular first choice. The 6-day version allows an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo and is the recommended option for those attempting Kilimanjaro for the first time.
Photos
Summit Success Rate
85%
Success Rate
5-Day Route
85%
Success Rate
6-Day Route
* Based on guided expeditions with our professional support team.
Expert Recommendation
5-Day Option — From $1,950/person
Who should choose the 5-day route?
Best suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers with prior acclimatisation. If you have trekked above 4,000m before and maintain excellent fitness, the 5-day option is achievable — though we always recommend more time for safety.
6-Day Option — From $2,200/person
Who should choose the 6-day route?
Our most recommended option. The additional days significantly improve your acclimatisation profile, resulting in higher summit success and a far more enjoyable experience. Ideal for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers and those prioritising success.
Climb KilimanjaroTour Itinerary
Marangu Route
Day-by-Day Itinerary · Olee Tanzania Safaris
The Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," holds a unique distinction on Kilimanjaro — it is the only trail where climbers sleep in established mountain huts rather than tents. Bunk beds with mattresses at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts provide a level of shelter ...
Starts: Arusha, TanzaniaFrom $1,950 / person
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
4-5 hours8km1,905m to 2,704m
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Marangu Gate (1,843m), approximately 124 km away. Following registration and gear checks, the trek begins around midday.
The trail passes through lush rainforest, the second ecological zone of Kilimanjaro, rich in unique plant species and wildlife. After a steady 4-5 hour walk at a relaxed pace ("pole pole"), you will arrive at Mandara Hut located at the forest edge.
Your crew will already be at camp preparing your meal. Dinner will be served, followed by overnight rest.
1,905m to 2,704m
8km
4-5 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 2
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
6-8 hours12km2,704m to 3,719m
The day begins with a short walk through the remaining forest before transitioning into the heath and moorland zone. As the vegetation opens up, you may get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
The trek continues gradually uphill to Horombo Hut, with a lunch stop along the way. You will reach camp in the afternoon, where refreshments will be served followed by dinner and rest.
2,704m to 3,719m
12km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 3
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
6-7 hours10km3,719m to 4,714m
Today's trek begins with a steady ascent before crossing the Saddle - a vast, dry plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This section offers a unique, almost lunar landscape with wide open views.
As you approach Kibo Hut, the air becomes noticeably thinner. This camp serves as your base for the summit attempt. After arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night climb.
3,719m to 4,714m
10km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
NIGHT 3
Night 3: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit Attempt)
7-8 hours4,714m to 5,895m
Around midnight, you begin your summit push. The climb takes place in darkness, with frequent short breaks to manage energy and altitude.
After about 5-6 hours, you reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, if timing allows, you can witness a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
The trek continues to Stella Point (5,745m), and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa.
4,714m to 5,895m
7-8 hours
DAY 4
Day 4: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
6-7 hours5,895m to 3,719m
After celebrating at the summit and taking a short rest, you begin your descent via Kibo Hut and across the Saddle back to Horombo Hut.
In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest after a long and demanding day.
5,895m to 3,719m
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 5
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
5-6 hours20km3,719m to 1,905m
The final day involves a long descent through moorland and back into the rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificates.
A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you for a celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel. This marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
3,719m to 1,905m
20km
5-6 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 1
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
4-5 hours8km1,905m to 2,704m
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,843m). Following registration and equipment checks, the trek begins through dense rainforest.
The trail is well-defined and gradually ascends through lush vegetation, where you may encounter monkeys and a variety of birdlife. After 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach Mandara Hut at the edge of the forest.
Dinner will be served, followed by overnight rest.
1,905m to 2,704m
8km
4-5 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 2
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
6-8 hours12km2,704m to 3,719m
The trail continues through the forest for a short time before opening into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes less dense, and the landscape begins to widen.
You may get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as you ascend. The trek is steady and gradual, with a lunch stop along the way.
Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you will relax and prepare for the next day.
2,704m to 3,719m
12km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 3
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
This extra day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
You may take a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge, which offers excellent views and helps your body adapt by following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. After the hike, you return to Horombo Hut for rest.
Spending this additional day greatly increases the likelihood of a successful summit attempt.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 4
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
6-7 hours10km3,719m to 4,714m
Today's trek takes you across the Saddle, a wide and barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and exposed, with a dramatic alpine desert landscape.
The climb is gradual but long, and you will notice the effects of altitude more clearly. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Dinner is served early, and you will go to bed to rest before the midnight climb.
3,719m to 4,714m
10km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
NIGHT 4
Night 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
7-8 hours4,714m to 5,895m
The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is slow and steady, with frequent breaks to manage altitude and conserve energy.
After several hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Reaching the summit is a challenging but rewarding achievement.
4,714m to 5,895m
7-8 hours
DAY 5
Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
6-7 hours5,895m to 3,719m
After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
The descent is long but easier as the altitude decreases. In the evening, you will enjoy your final night on the mountain.
5,895m to 3,719m
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 6
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
5-6 hours20km3,719m to 1,905m
The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.
Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.
3,719m to 1,905m
20km
5-6 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
What's Included / Excluded
✓ Included
All airport and gate transfers
Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (bed & breakfast)
All camping or hut equipment
All meals during the trek
Professional KPAP-certified guides and porters
Emergency oxygen equipment
Medical check-ups twice daily
Fully stocked medical kits
All national park fees and conservation fees
Summit certificates upon successful completion
24/7 support team
✗ Not Included
International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
Tips for guides and porters (recommended $250–350 per participant)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the Marangu Route stand out?
It is the only route on Kilimanjaro with fixed mountain huts — trekkers sleep in bunk beds with mattresses rather than tents. This gives a more sheltered and comfortable experience, particularly appealing to those who would rather not camp in potentially cold or wet conditions at altitude.
Q: Is the Marangu Route a good option for first-time climbers?
The trail is well-defined and follows a steady gradient, making it manageable for most people. However, the 5-day version compresses the climb and gives the body less time to acclimatise, which can reduce summit success. The 6-day option is more suitable for first-timers as it includes an additional rest day at Horombo Hut.
Q: What is the difference between 5 days and 6 days?
The 6-day version includes a dedicated acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, giving your body significantly more time to adjust before the summit push. For anyone without prior high-altitude experience, this extra day noticeably improves the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Pricing
All prices are per person in USD.
Group Size
5 Days
6 Days
1 person
$3,200
$3,600
2 people
$2,600
$2,900
3 people
$2,350
$2,650
4 people
$2,200
$2,500
5 people
$2,100
$2,380
6 people
$2,050
$2,300
7 people
$2,000
$2,250
8+ people
$1,950
$2,200
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
4-5 hours8km1,905m to 2,704m
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Marangu Gate (1,843m), approximately 124 km away. Following registration and gear checks, the trek begins around midday.
The trail passes through lush rainforest, the second ecological zone of Kilimanjaro, rich in unique plant species and wildlife. After a steady 4-5 hour walk at a relaxed pace ("pole pole"), you will arrive at Mandara Hut located at the forest edge.
Your crew will already be at camp preparing your meal. Dinner will be served, followed by overnight rest.
1,905m to 2,704m
8km
4-5 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 2
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
6-8 hours12km2,704m to 3,719m
The day begins with a short walk through the remaining forest before transitioning into the heath and moorland zone. As the vegetation opens up, you may get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
The trek continues gradually uphill to Horombo Hut, with a lunch stop along the way. You will reach camp in the afternoon, where refreshments will be served followed by dinner and rest.
2,704m to 3,719m
12km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 3
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
6-7 hours10km3,719m to 4,714m
Today's trek begins with a steady ascent before crossing the Saddle - a vast, dry plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This section offers a unique, almost lunar landscape with wide open views.
As you approach Kibo Hut, the air becomes noticeably thinner. This camp serves as your base for the summit attempt. After arrival, you will rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the night climb.
3,719m to 4,714m
10km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
NIGHT 3
Night 3: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit Attempt)
7-8 hours4,714m to 5,895m
Around midnight, you begin your summit push. The climb takes place in darkness, with frequent short breaks to manage energy and altitude.
After about 5-6 hours, you reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From here, if timing allows, you can witness a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
The trek continues to Stella Point (5,745m), and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the highest point in Africa.
4,714m to 5,895m
7-8 hours
DAY 4
Day 4: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
6-7 hours5,895m to 3,719m
After celebrating at the summit and taking a short rest, you begin your descent via Kibo Hut and across the Saddle back to Horombo Hut.
In the evening, enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest after a long and demanding day.
5,895m to 3,719m
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 5
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
5-6 hours20km3,719m to 1,905m
The final day involves a long descent through moorland and back into the rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificates.
A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you for a celebratory lunch and then back to your hotel. This marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
3,719m to 1,905m
20km
5-6 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 1
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
4-5 hours8km1,905m to 2,704m
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu Gate (1,843m). Following registration and equipment checks, the trek begins through dense rainforest.
The trail is well-defined and gradually ascends through lush vegetation, where you may encounter monkeys and a variety of birdlife. After 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach Mandara Hut at the edge of the forest.
Dinner will be served, followed by overnight rest.
1,905m to 2,704m
8km
4-5 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 2
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
6-8 hours12km2,704m to 3,719m
The trail continues through the forest for a short time before opening into the heath and moorland zone. The vegetation becomes less dense, and the landscape begins to widen.
You may get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks as you ascend. The trek is steady and gradual, with a lunch stop along the way.
Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you will relax and prepare for the next day.
2,704m to 3,719m
12km
6-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 3
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
This extra day is dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
You may take a short hike toward Mawenzi Ridge, which offers excellent views and helps your body adapt by following the "climb high, sleep low" principle. After the hike, you return to Horombo Hut for rest.
Spending this additional day greatly increases the likelihood of a successful summit attempt.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 4
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
6-7 hours10km3,719m to 4,714m
Today's trek takes you across the Saddle, a wide and barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain is dry and exposed, with a dramatic alpine desert landscape.
The climb is gradual but long, and you will notice the effects of altitude more clearly. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Dinner is served early, and you will go to bed to rest before the midnight climb.
3,719m to 4,714m
10km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
NIGHT 4
Night 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
7-8 hours4,714m to 5,895m
The summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb is slow and steady, with frequent breaks to manage altitude and conserve energy.
After several hours, you will reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Reaching the summit is a challenging but rewarding achievement.
4,714m to 5,895m
7-8 hours
DAY 5
Day 5: Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
6-7 hours5,895m to 3,719m
After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
The descent is long but easier as the altitude decreases. In the evening, you will enjoy your final night on the mountain.
5,895m to 3,719m
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hut
DAY 6
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
5-6 hours20km3,719m to 1,905m
The final day involves a long descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate.
Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates before being transferred back to your hotel.
3,719m to 1,905m
20km
5-6 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
Pricing
All prices are per person in USD.
Group Size
5 Days
1 person
$3,200
2 people
$2,600
3 people
$2,350
4 people
$2,200
5 people
$2,100
6 people
$2,050
7 people
$2,000
8+ people
$1,950
Group Size
6 Days
1 person
$3,600
2 people
$2,900
3 people
$2,650
4 people
$2,500
5 people
$2,380
6 people
$2,300
7 people
$2,250
8+ people
$2,200
Prices include all services listed under "What's Included". International flights and personal equipment are not included.
What's Included
Included
All airport and gate transfers
Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (bed & breakfast)
All camping or hut equipment
All meals during the trek
Professional KPAP-certified guides and porters
Emergency oxygen equipment
Medical check-ups twice daily
Fully stocked medical kits
All national park fees and conservation fees
Summit certificates upon successful completion
24/7 support team
Not Included
International flights to and from Tanzania
Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
Tips for guides and porters (recommended $250–350 per participant)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Marangu Route stand out?
It is the only route on Kilimanjaro with fixed mountain huts — trekkers sleep in bunk beds with mattresses rather than tents. This gives a more sheltered and comfortable experience, particularly appealing to those who would rather not camp in potentially cold or wet conditions at altitude.
Is the Marangu Route a good option for first-time climbers?
The trail is well-defined and follows a steady gradient, making it manageable for most people. However, the 5-day version compresses the climb and gives the body less time to acclimatise, which can reduce summit success. The 6-day option is more suitable for first-timers as it includes an additional rest day at Horombo Hut.
What is the difference between 5 days and 6 days?
The 6-day version includes a dedicated acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, giving your body significantly more time to adjust before the summit push. For anyone without prior high-altitude experience, this extra day noticeably improves the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
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