7 Days Tour – 5 Day Hike Marangu Route
Marangu Route Overview
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is Kilimanjaro’s most established and comfortable trekking path, uniquely offering mountain hut accommodations throughout the climb. This classic route follows a steady, well-defined trail that ascends through lush rainforest, open moorlands, stark alpine desert, and finally into the icy summit zone. Its gradual gradient and structured sleeping arrangements make it one of the most approachable routes for climbers seeking comfort without compromising the challenge of reaching Africa’s highest peak.
The route allows for proper acclimatization, with overnight stays at Horombo Hut providing valuable altitude adjustment before the final ascent. Summit night begins from Kibo Hut under a canopy of stars, culminating in a sunrise arrival at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. Whether combined with premium hotel stays in Moshi or experienced in a classic trekking format, the Marangu Route delivers a balanced, scenic, and rewarding Kilimanjaro climb supported by experienced guides, well-paced days, and dependable infrastructure from start to finish.
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins upon arrival in Tanzania. After a warm welcome and a short briefing, you are transferred to Moshi, a lively town set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather, you may enjoy clear views of the mountain rising above the town. The rest of the day is spent relaxing at your lodge and preparing for the climb ahead.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Mid-Range Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you drive to Marangu Gate for registration and trek preparations. Your hike begins through lush rainforest, alive with birds and monkeys, as you follow a well-defined trail toward Mandara Hut. A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way before you arrive at the hut in the afternoon. The evening is for resting and allowing your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Accommodation Type: Mountain Hut – Budget
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
This morning you continue your ascent, leaving the forest behind as the trail opens into the moorland zone. The landscape becomes more expansive, offering beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After a picnic lunch en route, you arrive at Horombo Hut, set high above the forest. The rest of the day is spent resting and acclimatizing.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Accommodation Type: Mountain Hut – Budget
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, you trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, passing through the stark beauty of the alpine desert. Vegetation is minimal, and the scenery feels vast and dramatic. A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way before you reach Kibo Hut, one of the highest sleeping points on the mountain. You rest here and prepare for the summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Accommodation Type: Mountain Hut – Budget
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Return to Horombo Hut
Shortly after midnight, you begin your summit ascent under the stars. The climb is slow and steady as you make your way to Gilman’s Point and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and enjoying the sunrise views, you descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Accommodation Type: Mountain Hut – Budget
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, then Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through the moorlands and rainforest toward Marangu Gate. Upon completion of park formalities, you receive your climbing certificate. From the gate, you are transferred back to Moshi where you relax at your lodge, enjoying a well-earned shower and a comfortable night.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge
Accommodation Type: Mid-Range Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Marangu Route trekking experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- Solo Trekker: USD 2,857 per person
- Group of 2: USD 2,228 per person
- Group of 3: USD 2,062 per person
- Group of 4: USD 1,988 per person
- Group of 5: USD 1,950 per person
- Group of 6: USD 1,860 per person
- Group of 7: USD 1,830 per person
- Group of 8: USD 1,792 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro Airport followed by a transfer to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel. The rest of the day is set aside for relaxation as you settle into Moshi, a lively town known for its bustling markets, calm atmosphere, and occasional clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the perfect time to rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you drive to Marangu Gate for registration and a trek briefing. The hike begins through lush rainforest filled with birdlife and monkeys, gradually ascending on a well-defined trail. By afternoon, you arrive at Mandara Hut, where you rest and begin acclimatizing to the mountain environment.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Following breakfast, you continue ascending as the forest gives way to open moorland. The landscape becomes wider and more dramatic, offering impressive views of the surrounding peaks. You reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you settle into wooden bunk accommodations and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today’s trek crosses the wide alpine saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The vegetation thins as you enter the alpine desert zone, where the terrain becomes stark and dramatic. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you rest, hydrate, and prepare for your summit attempt later in the night.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Summit to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you begin the steady ascent toward Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating this unforgettable achievement, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight recovery.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Accommodation Type: Budget Mountain Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through the moorland and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate. Here, you receive your summit certificate before meeting your driver for the transfer back to Moshi. A comfortable stay, hot shower, and well-earned rest await you at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Accommodation Type: Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport according to your flight schedule, marking the end of your premium Marangu Route trekking experience.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- Solo Trekker: USD 6,720 per person
- Group of 2: USD 4,703 per person
- Group of 3: USD 4,414 per person
- Group of 4: USD 4,178 per person
- Group of 5: USD 4,125 per person
- Group of 6: USD 4,022 per person
- Group of 7: USD 3,840 per person
- Group of 8: USD 3,724 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)