MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUTS: 7km/4mi | 4-5 hrs | Rainforest

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

Starting from Moshi, a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, permits will be issued while observing the lively preparations of various crews for the journey ahead. Enjoy the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

MANDARA HUTS – HOROMBO HUTS: 11km/7mi | 6-8hrs | Moorland

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, the journey continues from the rainforest along an ascending path through heathland, where giant lobelias and groundsels can be spotted. Proceed into open moorlands where small shrubs dominate the landscape. Pause halfway for lunch and enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, situated beneath the stunning Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

HOROMBO HUTS – KIBO HUTS: 10km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi-Desert

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

Following breakfast, the trek continues through the diminishing heathland that transitions into a moonscape as you enter the expansive saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. During the lunch stop and later while crossing this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that will commence in just a few hours.

KIBO HUTS – SUMMIT: 4km/2.5mi up | 5-7hrs | – HOROMBO HUTS:

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Excitement builds as the morning begins with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

The ascent to the summit continues in a switchback formation, focusing on staying warm and motivated by the incredible sense of achievement ahead. Ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Here, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during a brief rest. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. The remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to be snowy.

Congratulations, step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos and celebrations, descend to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.

HOROMBO HUTS – MARANGU GATE – MOSHI: 18km/11mi | 6-7hrs | Rainforest

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route - Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 1830m/6000ft

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with the crew, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will part ways here. Return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. With the weather significantly warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 45 minutes).

• Private transportation
• Hiking and safety equipment
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Transfer/drop off to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Climbing crew
• Hut accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro

• Tip for the crew
• visa
• internal and external flights

The Marangu route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established path on Mount Kilimanjaro.

This is the sole route that provides dormitory-style sleeping huts instead of camping. Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 bunk beds, while Horombo Hut offers 120 bunk beds. Guests are provided with mattresses and pillows, though sleeping bags are still necessary. The huts feature communal dining areas and basic washroom facilities, which range from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Many choose Marangu because it is considered the easiest route on the mountain, due to its gentle slope and straightforward path. However, the short duration of the route makes altitude acclimatization quite challenging. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Unfortunately, Marangu is less scenic than other routes as both the ascent and descent follow the same path.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.