Delve into the Beauty of the Oldest Route
The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route offering sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Many favor Marangu because it is considered the easiest mountain path, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization reasonably difficult.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is, unfortunately, less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path.
Holiday Adventure Africa is happy to offer you the chance to get to the roof of Africa via the Marangu route from 5 to 7-day tours. Please find details of each option in the following links and Holiday Adventure Africa Gallery.
Marangu Route 7 days 6 nights: This option is for those who wish to extend the hiking based on physical and mental conditions. Below are a sample tour program and prices for a 6-day Marangu Route tour.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, look out for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar-generated lighting. Next to the central hut, there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack and then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing, so be prepared!
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Elevation:
1980m to 2700m
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Distance:
Approximately 12 kilometers
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Hiking Time:
3-4 hours
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Habitat:
Mountain forest
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Meals:
Lunch – Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Following breakfast, you will begin your ascent out of the rainforest and into the heather moorland. We will pass the Maundi Crater and be able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks and then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
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Elevation:
2700m to 3720m
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Distance:
Approximately 15 kilometers
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Hiking Time:
6 hours
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Habitat:
Moorland
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Meals:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut Acclimatization Day
At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to a high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut, and lunch will either be packed or at the hut, depending on your preference for the day.
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Elevation (Optional):
3720m to 4600m
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Meals:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter). Kibo Hut is located in the "Saddle," which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served, so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
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Elevation:
3720m to 4700m
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Distance:
Approximately 15 kilometers
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Hiking Time:
6 hours
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Habitat:
Alpine Desert
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Meals:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Down to Horombo Hut
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman's point (5681m). Reaching this section is impressive as the trail is steep, rocky, and at a high altitude. Gillman's is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow-covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours. At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
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Elevation:
4700m to 5895 m, down to 3720m
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Distance:
Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
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Hiking Time:
8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
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Habitat:
Stone scree and ice-capped summit
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Meals:
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to town for long overdue showers and more celebration:
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Elevation:
3720m to 1980m
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Distance:
Approximately 17 kilometers
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Hiking Time:
6 hours
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Meals:
Breakfast – Lunch