Overview

The 7 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb is one of the most popular ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route offering hut accommodation instead of camping, making it ideal for trekkers seeking extra comfort during their Tanzania mountain adventure.

This Kilimanjaro climbing tour follows a gradual trail through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones before reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters. The extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut significantly improves summit success rates compared to the shorter 5-day version.

Paka Adventures provides experienced mountain guides, quality safety equipment, professional porters, and well-organized trekking support for a safe and unforgettable Kilimanjaro climbing experience in Tanzania.

Highlights

  • Climb Africa’s highest mountain
  • Comfortable mountain hut accommodation
  • Scenic rainforest and alpine landscapes
  • Extra acclimatization day for better summit success
  • Professional Kilimanjaro guides and porters
  • Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
  • Ideal route for beginners and first-time climbers
  • Optional Zanzibar beach extension after the climb

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Also known as the “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it the cheapest option). However, we strongly recommend hiking the route over 6 days to increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully. Note that this is the only route that provides communal sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight site. Some basic goods such as mineral water, beer and chocolates are also sold at most sites. The Marangu route takes the same route for both ascend and descend.

Best time to visit: Dec-Mid-March / Mid-June-October

tinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Kibo Hut

Spend the day at Kibo Hut to rest, recover, and adjust to the altitude before the summit. Take short hikes, stay hydrated, and prepare mentally and physically for the climb ahead.

Elevation: 4700 m/15500 ft
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Habitat: alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Exclusions

  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • International and domestic flights
  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
  • Government imposed increase of Taxes and or Park Fees.
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

What sup +254-738-33-26-14