The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is known for being the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro with hut accommodations, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a shorter, less demanding climb. This 5-day trek with Overland Safaris offers a scenic journey through lush rainforests, unique alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes, ending at the summit with breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Kilimanjaro plains.
The Marangu Route’s 5-day itinerary allows climbers to ascend gradually through the forest, heather, and moorland zones up to the stark alpine desert. The route’s gentle slopes, well-maintained paths, and moderate altitude gain make it suitable for beginner to intermediate climbers seeking an accessible yet challenging experience.
Route Highlights
Scenic Landscapes: Traverse Kilimanjaro’s diverse climates, from tropical rainforest to alpine desert.
Summit Success: An early morning summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, with the iconic view of the sun rising over the plains below.
Hut Accommodations: Unlike other routes, Marangu has mountain huts, providing a more comfortable shelter.
Bird and Wildlife Watching: Spot rare birds and other animals in Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest.
We accept all major bank direct deposits, or you can pay by cash on the arrival day in Tanzania.
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Feel free to email us at any time to discuss your trip and get an accurate quotation.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania.
We stay at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort, which is a beautiful Hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a perfect place to prepare you for the adventure.
We will gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner, and Breakfast included.
Day 2: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After a short briefing and gear check in Moshi, transfer to Marangu Gate (1,870m).
Begin the trek through lush rainforest, with chances to spot colobus monkeys.
Reach Mandara Hut (2,720m) and explore the nearby Maundi Crater for beautiful views.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Continue trekking through the heather and moorland zones with striking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,700m), where you’ll spend the night in the alpine zone.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascend further through the semi-desert area, moving toward Kibo Hut (4,700m) at the foot of Kibo Crater.
Prepare for an early morning summit push with a rest and briefing from the guides.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Begin the final summit trek at midnight, reaching Gillman’s Point at sunrise and then moving along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Kilimanjaro’s highest point.
After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Horombo Hut.
Hiking time: 10-14 hours (summit and descent)
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Descend through the rainforest back to Marangu Gate, where you’ll collect your certificate.
Transfer to your hotel in Marangu for a well-deserved rest.
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Dinner and overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort: Bed, Dinner, and Breakfast included.
Day 7: Departure day.
After saying bye to our team of guides, then you need a private departure transfer, which is included from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
Marangu Route Includes.
• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
• Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Marangu and Marangu to Kilimanjaro airport
• Hotel Lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
• With bed dinner and breakfast
• Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb and return to your hotel after your climb
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
• All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
• Emergency Oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid)
• Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
• Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by the Kilimanjaro National Park
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress
• Water for washing up daily
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next camp.
• Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
• A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
• Flying Doctor Service
Marangu Route Excludes. 
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
• Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US $ 230 to US $ 300 per hiker – depending on the number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
• South African passport holders do NOT require a visa for Tanzania, however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
• Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania recommended)
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Optional, but highly recommended Portable toilet
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
• Meals & drinks not specified and snacks.

THE CANCELLATION POLICY AND TERMS OF CONDITIONS:
A non-refundable 15% deposit is required to secure the tour and begin the necessary booking processes and ground preparations. An invoice will be sent to the client together with the payment instructions.
The final balance payment of the tour booked is required to be paid not later than 20 days before the tour starts. Bookings made within 20 days prior to the arrival date should be paid in full.
Cancellation received 30 days or more before the tour starts: No Cancellation Fees will be charged.
Cancellation received 15 days before the tour starts: 30% Cancellation Fee will be charged.
Cancellation received 10 days before the tour starts: 50% cancellation fee will be charged.
Cancellation received within 48hrs before the tour starts: 100% Cancellation Fee will be charged.