7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, 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.

It is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.

The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Aishi Machame Hotel. The ride there takes about 1.5 hours.

The well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice – will treat you to scenic African landscapes.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (Full board) (2,700 m)

After having your breakfast we will make a short journey from your hotel in Marangu to National Park gate for the necessary formalities at the gate. We start the climbs through fascinating tropical rain forest; we reach the first hut at Mandara for dinner and overnight. An alternative is to simply rest and relax the beautiful forest around the camp. Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m): 5-6 hours walking.

Day 3: Horrombo Hut (Full board) (3,720 m)

Today the first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into moorland and, in clear weather, there are great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We arrive at Horombo Hut mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp. Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): 4-6 hours walking.

Day 4: Horrombo Hut (Full board)

Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut. Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (Full board) (4,700 m.)

Today we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hut. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Horrombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m.); 4-6 hours walking.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horrombo Hut (Full board)

Wake up before midnight in the cover of darkness. We begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady pace will take us to rim of the main crater, Gillman’s 5,685 m. We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 m. which is the highest point in Africa. After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment we descend to Kiko Hut is amazingly fast, and we stop at Kibo Hut for some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach Horrombo Hut. Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut (3,720 m.): 13-15 hours walking.

Day 7: Horrombo Hut (Full board)

Today we will descend past Mandara hut to Marangu National Park, successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. From here you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and overnight. Horombo hut to Marangu Gate. (6-7 hours walking). Depart from Marangu gate to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or other destinations in Tanzania or Kenya.