Marangu Route – Living Large Safaris

Marangu Route 5 - 6 Days

Marangu Route – The Classic Path

The Marangu Route, or “Coca-Cola route,” is one of the most popular ones. The Marangu route is available in 5- and 6-day variations, with the 5-day route being significantly more strenuous.

The trail lies inside Kilimanjaro National Park, and features dormitory-style huts for some of the overnight stays. It is therefore a good choice if you are coming during the rainy reasons (mid-March to late-May and late-October to late-December).

Duration: 5 nights/6 days (or 4 nights/5 days)

Below, you will find a comprehensive 5 night/6 day climb up Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. If you would like to shorten your route to 5 days, you will skip the night of the Acclimatization Day and continue walking straight from the Horombo Huts to the Kibo Huts in one day.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate → Mandara Huts

Day 1 begins at the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. After a 5-to-7-hour hike through the rainforest, you will arrive at Mandara Huts (8,858 ft.).

Day 2:Mandara Huts → Horombo Huts

On Day 2, you will ascend through the woodlands and heath, and into the moorland. After a 5-to-7-hour hike, you will arrive at Horombo Huts (12,205 ft.).

Day 3:Acclimatization Day

Day 3 is an acclimatization day, where you will remain at the Horombo Huts and rest and relax, or take a short acclimatization hike to Mawenzi Hut or Zebra Rocks.

Day 4: Horombo Huts → Kibo Huts

Day 4 takes you to Kibo Huts (15,430 ft.), after a 5-to-7-hour hike. You will prepare for tomorrow’s push to the summit!

Day 5: Kibo Huts → Gilman’s Point → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Huts

Day 5 begins at midnight. Guided by a headlamp, you will ascend to the summit (Uhuru- 19,340 ft.), arriving around sunrise. After a brief celebration of accomplishing this amazing feat, you will descend back to Horombo Huts (12,205 ft.) for the evening.