Marangu Route, 5 and 6 Days
The Marangu route is the oldest and the only Kilimanjaro route with sleeping huts, which is why it is nicknamed the Coca-Cola route. You sleep in a bunk in shared huts with mattresses, which suits trekkers who prefer not to camp.
The Marangu route is the oldest and the only Kilimanjaro route with sleeping huts, which is why it is nicknamed the Coca-Cola route. You sleep in a bunk in shared huts with mattresses, which suits trekkers who prefer not to camp.
Our Marangu packages start from USD 1,910 per person. We recommend the 6 day version, which adds an acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut and gives a much better summit success rate than the 5 day option.
Marangu route itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
From Marangu Gate at about 1,860 metres you walk through rainforest to Mandara Hut at 2,720 metres. It takes about four hours, and you may see colobus monkeys.
Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Hut
The trail leaves the forest for moorland and climbs to Horombo Hut at 3,720 metres, with views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Day 3: Acclimatisation at Horombo (6 day version)
A rest day with a walk toward Mawenzi Hut, giving your body time to adapt to the altitude. The 5 day version skips this day.
Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Hut
You cross the barren Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to Kibo Hut at 4,700 metres. Rest early, because the summit climb starts at midnight.
Summit day: Uhuru Peak and back to Horombo
A climb of six to eight hours in the dark to Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, then a descent to Horombo.
Last day: Marangu Gate
A walk to Mandara and out to Marangu Gate, where you receive your certificate.
Marangu: pros and cons
The route is the lowest cost, with simple huts that protect you from rain and cold at night. It also has a gentle gradient and a clear path. The drawbacks are that you go up and down the same route, which gives less variety, and the 5 day version has a lower success rate. The huts are shared and basic, and beds fill up in the high season, so book early.
Is Marangu easier than other routes?
The gradient is gentle, but easier does not mean easy. The ascent is fast for acclimatisation, so the success rate depends on taking the extra day. For this reason we do not recommend the 5 day option to first-time trekkers.
Life in the Marangu huts
The huts are A-frame buildings with bunk beds in shared rooms, a dining hall and basic toilets. At Mandara and Horombo there are huts for sleeping and a communal dining room with tables. The beds have mattresses, but you need your own sleeping bag. Meals are prepared by your cook and served in the dining hall. Huts are cold at night but protected from rain and wind.
Marangu 5 days against 6 days
The five day Marangu climb goes straight up and down, with no rest day, so many climbers feel the altitude at Kibo Hut. The six day version adds a night at Horombo and gives you a day to adjust. We always recommend six days, and we will not sell you a five day climb if you are new to altitude.
Who should choose Marangu?
Marangu suits people who prefer a bed to a tent, those who want a lower cost and trekkers who like an easy gradient. It does not suit climbers who dislike sharing a room, or those looking for a quiet trail, because Marangu is busy with day-trippers on the lower slopes.
Marangu route facts at a glance
- Distance: about 70 kilometres return
- Duration: 5 or 6 days, with 6 recommended
- Accommodation: huts with bunk beds and a dining hall
- Start and finish: Marangu Gate, about 1,860 metres
- Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres
- Ascent and descent: by the same route
Marangu in the rainy season
The huts make Marangu a more comfortable choice than camping routes in wet weather, because you sleep dry. The trail can be muddy and cloudy in April and May, but the shelter and the dining hall are a real benefit. In the dry months the huts are very busy, so book early.
Marangu route packages
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Marangu Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 1,910 per person) The classic Coca-Cola Route offering comfortable communal hut accommodations and optimal acclimatization.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Marangu route cost?
Our 6 day Marangu climb starts from USD 1,910 per person, including park fees, crew and hut fees.
Do I need a tent on Marangu?
No. You sleep in huts with bunk beds. Bring a sleeping bag.
How many days is the Marangu route?
Five or six days. We recommend six days for acclimatisation.
Is the Marangu route good for beginners?
It is a good choice for people who prefer huts to tents, as long as you take the 6 day version.
Can I climb Marangu without a tent?
Yes. Marangu is the only route with huts, and you do not need a tent.
Is the Marangu route the easiest?
It has the gentlest gradient, but the short five day version has a low summit success rate. We recommend six days.