The Marangu Route, known as the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the classic way up Kilimanjaro and the only route with hut accommodation throughout. This six-day climb includes an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut to give you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
You’ll pass through montane rainforest, heather and moorland, and the high alpine desert of the Saddle before the final push to the Roof of Africa.
| Destination | Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania |
|---|---|
| Route | Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route |
| Highest point | Uhuru Peak, 5,895m |
| Accommodation | Mountain huts |
| Rates | From $2,178 per person |
After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m). The 8km hike to Mandara Hut (2,700m) takes 3–4 hours and winds through lush montane rainforest where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and colourful birdlife.
Leave the forest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone. The landscape opens up, with views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The steady 5–6 hour climb passes giant heather and groundsel plants unique to East Africa’s mountains, arriving at Horombo Hut (3,720m) with wide views across the Saddle.
An extra day at Horombo, with an optional short hike towards the Mawenzi ridge, is the most important step for a successful summit on the Marangu Route. Spending 24 more hours at this altitude lets your body adapt to the lower oxygen levels and greatly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Trek about 10km (6 miles) through harsh alpine desert from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700m). This 6–7 hour hike crosses the Saddle, a vast, moon-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo with views in every direction. The ascent is gradual but the height gain is significant. Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Wake at midnight for the final push. Summit day is the longest, hardest and most rewarding day of the trek, climbing loose volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim around sunrise, then continuing along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa.
After summit photos, descend all the way back to Horombo Hut. In total you’ll cover roughly 21km in 12–16 hours, with around 1,195m of ascent to the summit and a 2,175m descent.
The final descent takes you back through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m) in 5–6 hours. Collect your summit certificate at the gate, thank your mountain crew and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.
