The oldest and gentlest path to Uhuru Peak, and the only Kilimanjaro route with proper huts. Choose 5 or 6 days with local guides from Moshi.
Get a free quoteSee itinerariesThe Marangu Route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the oldest and most established path on Kilimanjaro. It was long the most popular and is still considered the easiest in terms of gradient and terrain. It is the only route where you sleep in huts instead of mountain tents.
You go up and come down the same trail, so it can be busy and the huts can fill up in high season. For families, groups and anyone who wants a dry bed and a communal dining hall, that trade-off is worth it. It is also a smart pick in the rainy season, because you never have to pack away wet tents or sleep in damp clothes.
The path has no real technical difficulty, but the scenery changes less than on Machame or Lemosho. You pass through rainforest, then open moorland and scrub across the saddle to the last hut below the summit cone.
| Stage | Altitude | Distance | Walking time | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts | 1,970 to 2,720 m | ~8 km | 3–5 hrs | Rainforest |
| Mandara to Horombo Huts | 2,720 to 3,720 m | ~12 km | 5–7 hrs | Moorland |
| Horombo to Kibo Huts | 3,720 to 4,700 m | ~10 km | 5–6 hrs | Alpine desert |
| Kibo to Uhuru Peak and back to Horombo | 4,700 to 5,895 m | ~5 km up, ~15 km down | 12–15 hrs | Arctic summit |
| Horombo to Marangu Gate | 3,720 to 1,970 m | ~20 km | 5–7 hrs | Moorland to forest |
Distances and times are approximate and vary with pace and conditions.
The quickest way up: a direct ascent with nights at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo. Best for fit trekkers with limited time.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts.
Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Huts.
Day 3: Horombo to Kibo Huts, early rest.
Day 4: Midnight start to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak, descend to Horombo.
Day 5: Horombo to Marangu Gate.
Our recommended option. An extra night at Horombo with a short acclimatisation hike to Zebra Rocks gives your body time to adapt.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts.
Day 2: Mandara to Horombo Huts.
Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Horombo.
Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Huts.
Day 5: Summit night, then descend to Horombo.
Day 6: Horombo to Marangu Gate.
Confirm the exact inclusions for your booking when you request a quote.
The driest and clearest months are January to March and June to October. The long rains fall from about March to May and short rains in November. Marangu copes better with wet weather than tented routes, but paths get muddy and views can be lost in cloud. June to October is the busiest period, so book huts early.
You start around midnight from Kibo Huts, climb a steep scree slope to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Temperatures can drop well below freezing. Walk slowly, drink plenty and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. A 6 day trip gives a much better acclimatisation profile than 5 days.
Layered clothing, a warm summit jacket, waterproof shell, broken-in boots, gloves, hat, headlamp, trekking poles, sleeping bag rated to about –10°C and a 2 to 3 litre water system. Huts provide bunks and mattresses only, so bring your own bedding.
It has the gentlest slope and a well-worn trail. Summit day is still long, steep and cold, so preparation matters.
Because it is the oldest, most established route, with huts and basic comforts, while other routes use tents.
Choose 6 days if you can. The extra night at Horombo gives you an acclimatisation day, which improves your summit chances.
No. Marangu is the only route with sleeping huts, with bunk beds at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo.
January to March and June to October are driest. Marangu is also a good rainy-season choice because you sleep under a roof.
Not on Marangu: you descend the same path. If you want a different descent, look at Machame or Lemosho.
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