Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route

Begins and ends in Arusha – Tanzania

This may be the easiest path up the world-famous mountain due to its gradual slope. For this reason, the route is well-established and quite popular. In fact, it is so popular it has come to be known as the “Tourist Route” or the “Coca-Cola Route”.

Why is it called the Coca-Cola Route?

It’s the only path to Kilimanjaro that offers dormitory-style sleeping huts. And those huts serve beverages like Coca-Cola to thirsty climbers.

Visitors have been known to summit on this route in five days, but that’s considered a fast climb. You’ll increase your chances of success by taking an extra sixth day to acclimate to the high elevation.

Your Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb

Organized by Adventure In The Wild Safaris, your adventure begins in Arusha. From there, you’ll travel to Moshi and transfer to the Marangu Gate.

Of the various routes up Kilimanjaro, Marangu has perhaps the finest trail through the rainforest section. Along your climb, you’ll stay at sleeping huts outfitted with bunk beds, mattresses, and pillows. A dining hall is also available for your comfort.

As you ascend, enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s three peaks – the others being Kibo and Shira.

If you’re not an experienced climber, Marangu may be your best option due to its relatively easy ascent. The dormitory huts offer more comfort, especially during the rainy season, compared to tents used on other routes.

But regardless of the route, summiting this world-class mountain puts you in an elite class of climbers. Embrace and enjoy the moment!

Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route. Organized by Adventure In The Wild Safaris

Day 1: Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

Transfer from Moshi to Marangu Gate where your climb officially begins.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

We continue our trek through the forest, eventually reaching an area of heather, which then turns into moorland.
At this stage, you’ll get your first good view of snow-capped Kibo and its jagged sister peak, Mawenzi.

Camp is at Horombo Hut (3700m). We will have walked about 11 km, taking 5-7 hours and ascended 1000m.

Day 3: Horombo Hut – Acclimatization Day

Today is a rest day to aid acclimatization. For those who wish, an optional walk up to The Saddle
(the strip of land between Mawenzi and Kibo) offers great views and helps with further altitude adaptation.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

We carry on up and cross The Saddle to reach Kibo Hut (4700m), a more basic accommodation compared to previous huts.

The trail leads through a barren moonscape with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi against a clear sky.
The walk is about 10 km, taking 5-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m.

Day 5: Kibo – Uhuru Peak – Horombo

This is the most challenging and rewarding day. We begin shortly after midnight to climb to Gilman’s Point (5680m),
reaching it around sunrise. On a clear day, there are spectacular views over the savannah plains and even of Mt. Kenya 360km away.

We continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Africa’s highest point. If you reach Uhuru, you will have walked
about 4 km over 7 to 8.5 hours, ascending 1200m.

After celebrating your achievement, we descend via Gilman’s Point back to Kibo Hut and then down to Horombo Huts for the night.
This leg covers 14 km and takes 4.5 to 7 hours, descending 2200m.