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7 Days Private Collection

7 Days Marangu Route Climb

Starting From

$2,360

Per Person USD

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Duration 7 Days
Difficulty Moderate
Style Private
Location Tanzania
Overview

The Experience

What this journey is about and what you can expect.

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the classic and oldest paths to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the south-eastern side of the mountain. It is historically significant as the route taken by Hans Meyer during the first successful Kilimanjaro summit in 1889.

The route is completed in 5 to 6 days and is the only one offering hut accommodation instead of tents, making it appealing to climbers who prefer mnore comfort. The trail passes through all of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from tropical forests to alpine deserts, and Marangu Gate also serves as the headquarters of Kilimanjaro National Park. Unlike other routes, both the ascent and descent use the same path on Marangu.

Route Map

Route Map

See the route at a glance before diving into each day.

Kilimanjaro route map
Journey

Day by Day Itinerary

A clear day-by-day breakdown so you know what to expect from start to finish.

Day 1

Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Taza safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Stay: Kibo Palace Hotel
Day 2

Marangu Gate (1860m/6102ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m/8858ft)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest.
Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance: 8.3km/5.2mi
Duration: 5–6 hours
Stay: Mandara Hut
Day 3

Mandara Hut (2700m/8858ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m/12139ft)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone.
Approximately 4–6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Duration: 8–9 hours
Stay: Horombo hut
Day 4

Horombo Hut (3700mn/12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m/15420ft)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi.
Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5–6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance: 9.5km/5.9mi
Duration: 7–8 hours
Stay: Kibo Hut
Day 5

Kibo Hut (4700m/15420ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19340ft) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m/12139ft)

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards.
At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (568lm) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1–2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
On your return to Kibo Hut, a Warm meal awaits you followed by a 1–2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance: 22km / 13.7mi
Duration: 12–15 hours
Stay: Horombo Hut
Day 6

Horombo Hut (3700m/12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m/6102ft)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you.
Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m).
After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 20.8km/12.9mi
Duration: 7–8 hours
Stay: Kibo Palace
Day 7

Depart Kilimanjaro

The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking.
You can choose to extend for Zanzibar Beach Experiences or Wildlife Safari in Near National Park Like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, or if your schedule is not allowing you for safari Extension, you will be suffered to Kilimanjaro Airport to fly home.
End of Itinerary
What's covered

Included & Excluded

Know exactly what's part of your package so you can plan and budget with confidence.

Included
  • Airport transfers
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks & porters
  • All park fees & permits
  • Accommodation as listed
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Rescue & safety equipment
  • Pre-trek briefing
  • Summit certificate
  • Fair porter treatment policy
  • Tipping ceremony organization
Excluded
  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for mountain crew
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Safari/Zanzibar extensions
Investment

2025/2026 Rates

Prices are quoted in USD per person sharing, based on group size. No hidden fees.

Group Size Mid-Range
2 Travelers $2,360
4 Travelers $2,242
6 Travelers $2,124
8 Travelers $2,077
10 Travelers $2,006

FAQs

Quick answers to common questions about this trip.

Why "Coca-Cola Route"?
The Marangu Route is nicknamed the "Coca-Cola Route" because, historically, climbers could purchase Coca-Cola at the huts along the way. It's also considered a "classic" route due to its popularity and accessibility.
How long does it take?
5–6 days. The 6-day option includes an acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, boosting summit success.
What accommodation is available?
Unique to Marangu, climbers stay in wooden huts at designated campsites—comfortable, especially in rainy seasons.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes, if you're fit and prepared. It's easier due to huts and gradual slopes, but the quick ascent can still be challenging.
What makes it special?
Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," it's the classic Kilimanjaro trek with rich scenery, comfort, and accessibility.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, within Kilimanjaro National Park.
Do I need technical climbing skills to summit Kilimanjaro?
No. Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, meaning no ropes or specialized climbing gear are required. However, good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are crucial to reach the summit successfully.
What happens if some members need to turn back before the summit?
No one is forced to go on. There is always enough staff to split the group accordingly to needs and regroup later at the camp. Most people have no trouble reaching the highest campsite. If some members decide not to climb the final distance to the peak or cannot proceed at any point in time, they can wait for the other group climbers to come back, or can go down with a guide following the same way, or take a lateral path to the descent route.
Can I hike Mount Kilimanjaro without a tour company?
No, you need a tour company when hiking Mt Kilimanjaro, because the minimum number of days to hike Mt Kilimanjaro is 5 days. During this time you need food, water, and someone to guide you and carry some of your needs (items/materials). All these services are provided by a tour company. The regulation was established to guide this activity and therefore TANAPA deals with Tanzania-registered tour companies when doing all climbing arrangements and not natural individuals.
Is airport transfer included?
Yes, we provide complimentary pick-up and drop-off from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for all our package bookings.
Do I need a Visa for Tanzania?
Most travelers need a visa. You can obtain an E-Visa online beforehand or a Visa on Arrival ($50 USD or $100 USD for US citizens). Please check your specific country requirements.
What about dietary requirements?
We cater to all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal. Please inform us at the time of booking so our chefs can prepare accordingly.

Preparation

Packing List Background
Free Guide

Kilimanjaro Gear Guide

Summit success depends on the right gear. Download our comprehensive trekking equipment list.

Download Gear List

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