Kilimanjaro Trekking
Marangu Route — The Coca-Cola Route
The most popular and shortest route to Uhuru Peak. The only route offering hut accommodation on the entire ascent.
The most popular and shortest route to Uhuru Peak. The only route offering hut accommodation on the entire ascent.
The Marangu Route is known as the "Coca-Cola Route" — the oldest and most well-established path on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut (sleeping hut) accommodation on the entire ascent and descent, meaning no tents are needed. The route approaches Uhuru Peak from the south-east.
Despite its reputation as the "easiest" route, the summit success rate on Marangu is actually lower than other routes because many trekkers attempt it in just 5 days without proper acclimatisation. Savannah Explorers recommends a minimum of 6 days, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut to significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit safely.
Our recommended itinerary includes an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut for the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Airport pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Evening safari briefing with your lead guide, gear check and final preparations.
8 km · 4–5 hours. Register at Marangu Gate and begin the trek through lush montane forest. The canopy is alive with colobus monkeys and birdsong. Arrive at Mandara Hut — your first night in mountain huts.
12 km · 5–7 hours. Leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone. Giant heather and lobelias line the path as the landscape opens up with sweeping views of Mawenzi peak. Arrive at Horombo Hut.
Day hike towards Mawenzi Ridge (4,200m) and return to Horombo Hut. This extra day is critical for summit success — it allows your body to adjust to the altitude before pushing higher. Rest, hydrate and prepare for the days ahead.
10 km · 5–7 hours. Cross the alpine desert — a stark, lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut, the last camp before the summit push. Early dinner and rest before the midnight start.
15–17 hours total. Midnight start from Kibo Hut. Ascend steep switchbacks through scree to reach Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim at sunrise. Push on along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa. Descend back to Horombo Hut to rest.
Descend through all climate zones — alpine desert, moorland and montane forest — back to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha to celebrate.
Airport transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Or extend your adventure with an optional add-on safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or a Zanzibar beach holiday.
Marangu Route profile — Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak
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