6 Days/ 5 Nights
$ 1800.00
The Marangu Route — often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route — is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that provides dormitory-style hut accommodation instead of tents. Mandara and Kibo Huts each contain 60 bunk beds, while Horombo Hut offers 120 bunks. Trekkers are given mattresses and pillows, but a sleeping bag is still required. The huts include shared dining areas and simple washrooms, with flushing toilets and running water available at the lower camps and long-drop toilets with bucket water service at Kibo.
Marangu is a popular choice because its gentle incline and straightforward track make it one of the easier trails to hike. However, the shorter itinerary makes acclimatization more challenging. The trail climbs Kilimanjaro from the southeast and is considered less scenic than other routes, as both the ascent and descent follow the same path. This also makes it one of the busiest routes on the mountain.
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel (Salinero Hotel or similar, B&B). Later, your lead guide will meet you for a briefing, equipment inspection, and assistance with hiring any gear you may still require.
Elevation: 1905m / 6,250ft → 2723m / 8,934ft
Altitude Gain: 818m
After leaving Moshi, a one-hour drive brings you through Marangu Village to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While waiting for the permits to be processed, you’ll observe the busy flow of crews preparing for their climbs. The trek begins through lush rainforest with winding paths as your guide shares insights on the local plants, animals, and ecosystem. At these lower levels the ground is often wet and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Elevation: 2723m / 8,934ft → 3721m / 12,208ft
Total Ascent: 998m
After a solid night’s rest and a filling breakfast, the route exits the rainforest and steadily climbs through heathland, where you may spot giant lobelias and groundsels. The ascent continues into the open moorland zone, dominated by low shrubs. We break midway for lunch and to take in stunning views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, we reach the Horombo Huts, situated below a dramatic viewpoint of Kibo Summit. Expect temperatures to begin falling as evening approaches.
You have the option to stay an extra day and second night at Horombo. During this acclimatization day, you may choose to relax at the huts or take a short hike up to Mawenzi base camp before returning to Horombo. This additional day greatly supports acclimatization and gives you more time to get familiar with the mountain’s weather and elevation effects. After this break, you will proceed to Kibo Huts on the fourth day to prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 3721m / 12,208ft → 4714m / 15,466ft
Altitude gained: 993m
After breakfast, the trek continues through the thinning heathland, gradually transitioning into a stark moonscape as you reach the broad saddle linking Mawenzi and Kibo. We pause here for lunch, and as you traverse this expansive saddle, you’ll get a close view of the Kibo summit route that you’ll begin ascending in just a few hours.
Elevation: 4,714m / 15,466ft → 5,895m / 19,341ft
Altitude Gained: 1,181m
Descent: 5,895m / 19,341ft → 3,721m / 12,208ft
Altitude Lost: 2,174m
As dawn approaches with a midnight–2 a.m. departure, anticipation peaks — this is the toughest and most demanding section of the climb, both mentally and physically.
We push toward the summit in zigzag switchbacks, fighting the cold and staying mentally locked on the achievement ahead. The route climbs through loose scree and, at times, snow, until we reach Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where an unforgettable sunrise rewards the effort. Faster climbers may even catch the sunrise from the summit. From here, the final hour to Uhuru Peak is usually snow-covered.
At last — step by step — you stand on Uhuru Peak: the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.
After photos, celebration, and perhaps emotional moments, we begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. Because of unstable gravel and volcanic ash, gaiters and trekking poles are highly advised. A well-earned night's sleep awaits at Mweka Camp — your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 3721m / 12,208ft → 1905m / 6,250ft
Total Descent: 1816m
After breakfast and a warm farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, the final descent begins. We stop at Mandara Huts for lunch, and this is the point where you should tip your guides, cooks, and porters as you part ways. From there, the route continues down to the Marangu Park Gate, where summit certificates are issued. The climate becomes much warmer on this section and the path is often wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, which takes roughly 45 minutes.
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
GPS-tracking service
Complete medical kits
Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience.
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Airline tickets
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Tips for the mountain crew
Mountaineering insurance
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the two trekking seasons: January to March and June to October. These periods offer favorable conditions for a safe and enjoyable climb.
The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. Before planning your Mount Kilimanjaro Trip, it is crucial to explore the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro.
For high-altitude treks like Kilimanjaro, proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and ensuring a successful climb. You will need nutritious foods to gain proper energy.
