Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route 8 Days
Marangu Route: The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular and well-trodden paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its relatively easy and direct ascent, this route is ideal for trekkers seeking a less strenuous journey up Africa’s highest peak. Unlike other routes that require camping, Marangu offers the convenience of dormitory-style huts equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, and basic amenities, such as communal dining areas and washrooms. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer not to sleep in tents while trekking at high altitudes.
Starting from the lush, green rainforests at the base of the mountain, the route takes you through several distinct ecological zones, each with its own unique scenery and wildlife. As you climb higher, the landscape transitions from dense forest to moorland, and eventually to the barren, lunar-like alpine desert, offering breathtaking views along the way. On clear days, you can even catch glimpses of the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro from various points along the trek.
Though the Marangu Route tends to be busier due to its popularity, it remains a fantastic choice for those looking for a well-supported climb. The huts provide shelter from the elements, especially during the rainy season, making it a comfortable option even in less favorable weather conditions. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced adventurer, the Marangu Route offers a rewarding and scenic journey to the roof of Africa, with the added comfort of solid accommodations and well-marked trails.
Highlights:
-
Comfortable Accommodation
-
Scenic Diversity
-
Well-Marked Trail
-
Shortest Summit Duration
-
Popular and Social Route
-
All-Year Accessibility
-
Summit Success Potential
-
Ideal for First-Time Trekkers
SHORT INFORMATION:
-
Price: 1.950 EUR
-
Group size: 3-12 people
-
Travel time: 8 days
-
Attention: Carrying drones on the mountain is strictly prohibited. There are explicit bag checks directly at the park entrance.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
-
Complete implementation from/to Kilimanjaro Airport by TAF TRAVEL
-
Meals as per itinerary (full board with 2 hot meals per day on the mountain, B&B in the mountain lodge)
-
All planned airport transfers in the destination country
-
All transfers, excursions, and sightseeing as per program
-
Boiled glacier water, black tea, coffee, cocoa, and powdered milk, toast, egg dishes, porridge, daily fresh fruit for breakfast
-
All park and camp fees, mountain rescue fees via land route + emergency pharmacy
-
All guides, cooks, and porters and their fair payment (max. 14 kg of mountain luggage per person)
-
Complete kitchen equipment, dining tent, chairs, tables
-
Certified Tanzanian English-speaking mountain guide and additional assistant mountain guides as per group size
-
2 nights in a shared double room with shower/WC at Moivaro Coffee Lodge with B&B, pool (or equivalent lodge)
-
Oxygen saturation meter
-
Insulating sleeping mat
-
Summit certificate with ceremony in the lodge garden
-
Rental equipment available, if ordered up to 4 weeks before departure
NOT INCLUDED IN THE SERVICES:
-
International flight (can be booked through TAF TRAVEL)
-
Tanzania visa (approximately $50 USD), to be pre-booked online
-
Travel insurance
-
Missing meals, drinks / soft drinks, alcoholic beverages
-
Recommended tips (approximately $150-$250 USD on the Kilimanjaro tour)
-
Individual extension programs, sightseeing, and excursions
-
Single room supplement, single tent supplement
-
Camping cot
-
Condition of evacuation by air Flying Doctors: We would like to inform you that emergency medical evacuation during the mountain ascent is only included as a service by land route. This can take up to 10 hours and may take too long. In addition, adverse conditions such as cold, heat, or precipitation may prevail.
-
In case of the necessity of emergency evacuation by air (by helicopter), significant costs will be incurred, which must also be paid by the patient on-site. If you wish to have insurance for emergency evacuation by air, this must be purchased separately. We recommend the AMREF "Flying Doctors" for travel in East Africa. Please inquire with us if interested.
Recommended Gear
-
Thermal boots, waterproof jacket, and pants
-
Fleece layers and thermal undergarments
-
Hat, gloves, balaclava
-
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and water bottles
-
Sleeping bag rated for -15°C
-
Personal toiletries and first aid kit
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Marangu
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Marangu. After settling in, meet your trekking guide for an evening briefing to go over the trek and review equipment.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Marangu Gate, where the registration process begins. From there, the hike starts through the misty rainforest, with chances to spot wildlife and lush vegetation. After 5 hours, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, a cluster of A-frame huts, where you’ll spend your first night.
-
Distance: 12 km
-
Hiking time: 5 hours
-
Elevation gain: 720m
-
Habitat: Montane forest
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3720m)
Leaving the rainforest, you’ll ascend into the moorland zone, passing the impressive Maundi Crater. This day offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks, giant lobelia, and groundsel plants. You’ll reach Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
-
Distance: 15 km
-
Hiking time: 6 hours
-
Elevation gain: 1020m
-
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
(Optional, but highly recommended)
For better acclimatization, spend an additional day at Horombo Hut. A hike to Mawenzi Hut, passing Zebra Rocks, is a great way to help your body adjust. You’ll enjoy more stunning views and increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4700m)
You’ll hike towards Kibo Hut, crossing the Saddle, a barren expanse between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. This challenging section leads to Kibo Hut, where you’ll prepare for the final summit push.
-
Distance: 15 km
-
Hiking time: 6 hours
-
Elevation gain: 980m
-
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5895m), Descend to Horombo Hut
Start your final ascent just after midnight, climbing through the night to reach Gilman’s Point. The last section of the ascent takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, begin your descent back to Horombo Hut for a much-needed rest.
-
Distance: 27 km
-
Hiking time: 10-12 hours
-
Elevation gain: 1195m
-
Elevation loss: 2175m
-
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Continue your descent past Mandara Hut and through the rainforest to reach Marangu Gate. After registering your success, you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your achievement. Return to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.
-
Distance: 27 km
-
Hiking time: 6 hours
-
Elevation loss: 1740m
-
Habitat: Moorland, rainforest
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or begin your safari, depending on your onward travel plans.
Program changes:
Despite careful preparation, program changes are to be expected on this trip due to unforeseeable events. These may be due to weather conditions or short-term changes due to legal regulations, political decisions or health problems of participants, etc. In any case, we will try to carry out the travel program within reasonable limits or, if not possible, to organize an equivalent alternative program. The tour guide has sole authority to change the program!
-
Further dates on request, we will carry out your tour at your request at any time
-
Our tours take place from 3 people