Overview
Marangu Route is the most popular, least difficult and the shortest way to Uhuru Peak. This route is also called the Tourist Route or the Coca Cola Route. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route is fairly easy but the final part to the summit is still difficult. Although this rout is the easiest, it has the highest failure rate due to bad preparation. It is advised to take this route seriously enough, to be well organized and to take all possible safety measures.
Itinerary
Marangu route 5 days
DAY 1 - MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT
You’ll be picked up from your Moshi or Arusha accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Here, you’ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, you’ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.
You’ll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts, which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You won’t be seeing those again anytime soon!
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 - MANDARA HUT - HOROMBO HUT
You’ll set off bright and early today, as you’ve got a long day of hiking ahead of you!
Today’s hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as you’ll cover more than 11 kilometres on your way to the Maundi Crater.
If the weather is clear, you’ll find stunning views of Kibo Glacier from here before settling down for the evening.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - HOROMBO HUT - KIBO HUT
It’s another big day of hiking today, as you’ll make your way to Kibo Hut to set up camp ahead of your summit attempt.
Climbing almost 1,000m, you’ll pass your last watering point at the 4,130m mark before arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon.
Remember to drink plenty of water during your early dinner, as you’ll be up bright and early tomorrow to begin your ascent to the summit!
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT
You’re starting your day early today – just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
You’ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it
You’ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
DAY 5 - HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE - MOSHI
It’s a day of celebration today, as you’ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.
It’s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.
Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cost Breakdown
Included
National Park fees
Including once-off rescue fee of USD $20 per person. Other National Park fees are charged per person and based on the number of days spent in the Park. These other required fees are: entry fee of USD $70 per day and public campsite fee of USD $50 per night. NOTE: in Marangu they don't have public campsites so we supposed to pay Hut fee which is USD 60 per person per night,
VAT
From the government
Wages
For Guides, Assistant Guides, cooks and porters consistent with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP)
Transport
to and from airport to Hotel
to and from Hotel to National Park Gate (starting point)
Fresh local ingredients for three meals per day during the hiking and filtered drinkable water.
Equipments
such as quality sleeping tents, communal meals tent, portable toilet, and sleeping pad
for your safety and well-being, such as mandatory First Aid Kit, Oxygen tank, Oximeter, and stretcher and handheld radio
Other cost not Included
Equipments
such as sleep bags, hiking poles, head-lamps are not included in the pricing. However, these equipment along with others, like down jacket, rain gear, and hiking shoes are available for rent. See our rental equipment table for the full list
Tipping
is part of the local culture and is an expectation. While our team earns above minimum wage, tips are a key way to support local staff—especially those working in tough conditions like on the mountain. While wages are taxed heavily in Tanzania, tips are not taxed. So in Tanzania, guides, cooks and porters rely on tips to support 5–10 family members. Tips help them achieve their goals and are a meaningful way to say thank you. We ask that you kindly budget for tips
VISA fee and Travel insurance
Additional Hotel night
Laundry service
is not provided during the hike. However, you may use the hotel’s laundry services which they provide for a cost
Cost of meals during your stay at the hotel.
The hotel we’ll organize your stay at has a restaurant. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants located near the hotel within walking distance.