Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, is one of the most popular and well-established paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its relatively comfortable trekking experience and the availability of hut accommodations, this route offers a gradual ascent with a built-in acclimatization day to help increase your chances of a successful Kilimanjaro climb. As the oldest and most frequently chosen route, the Marangu Route provides an ideal balance of ease, scenic beauty, and accessibility, making it the perfect option for first-time climbers and experienced trekkers alike.
All Stunning Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours are private and fully guided, featuring a full-board meal planwith three nutritious meals per day. Flexible start dates are available all year round (subject to availability).
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Marangu Gate, the southeastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.
7 days, with 5 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.
37 km ascending, 34 km descending.
4,016 meters from the starting point to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters – the roof of Africa!
A comfortable route with a gradual ascent, offering excellent acclimatization opportunities and a high success rate.
The most popular route, which is suitable for trekkers of all levels.
Shared mountain huts with bunk beds and private portable toilets.
*All estimated prices are per person, based on a 2 person trek.
Estimated Price:
Details Kilimanjaro Trekking via the Marangu Route
Starting from $ 2,149.00*
The Marangu Route is the oldest and one of the most iconic paths to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. It stands out as the only route with hut accommodations, providing trekkers with more comfort compared to camping routes.
Marangu Route
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut & Maundi Crater.
Horombo Hut & Zebra Rocks.
The Saddle & Kibo Hut.
Gilman's Point & Uhuru Peak.
Key Highlights
Kilimanjaro: Day-to-Day Itinerary
Keep in mind that these itineraries are just a starting point to help you plan your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure. We specialize in creating tailor-made tours and personalized adventures and holidays, fully customized to match your personal preferences.
- Day 1 -
Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
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Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure with a professional transfer service from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your selected accommodation in Arusha.
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After settling in, meet your experienced Kilimanjaro guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check, ensuring you're fully prepared for your journey.
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End the day with a delicious dinner and take some time to rest, getting ready for your ascent to the Roof of Africa.
From Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
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After a hearty breakfast, your journey starts with a drive to Marangu Gate (1,879 m), the southeastern entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park.
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Register and acquire permits, then begin your trek to Mandara Hut (2,720 m).
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A raincoat is essential today, as you'll be trekking through the lush rainforest, with abundant opportunities to spot wildlife.
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You will have the chance to visit the Maundi Crater, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area of Kenya and Tanzania.
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Enjoy a restful night and dinner at Mandara Hut.
Altitude: 1,879 m - 2,720 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking duration: 3-4 hours
- Day 2 -
- Day 3 -
From Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
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Wake early and enjoy breakfast at Mandara Hut (2,720 m) before trekking to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
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As you ascend, you will leave the rainforest, ending up surrounded by moorland, while gaining significant altitude.
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Dinner and overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
Altitude: 2,720 m - 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
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A full day of acclimatization to prepare your body for the high-altitude climb ahead.
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You can either rest at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) or take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m), to let your body adjust to the altitude.
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Afterwards, return to Horombo Hut for dinner and to spend the evening resting.
An acclimatization hike is a gentle trek with a slight altitude gain, designed to enhance the acclimatization process. Taking these hikes seriously is crucial, as they significantly increase your chance of reaching Mount Kilimanjaro's summit and help prevent altitude sickness, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable climb.
Altitude: 3,720 m - 3,980 m - 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 3 km
Hiking duration: 2 hours
- Day 4 -
- Day 5 -
From Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
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Trek to Kibo Hut (4,720 m), the base camp for your summit push.
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Cross the "Saddle," a high-altitude desert, encountering cold and windy weather conditions.
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The terrain becomes rockier and more barren as you gain altitude,
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Rest and prepare at Kibo Hut for your final ascent.
Altitude: 3,720 m - 4,720 m
Hiking distance: 9 km
Hiking duration: 6-7 hours
Summit Night: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
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Depart from Kibo Hut (4,720 m) around midnight for the final push to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit.
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Hike through the night to Gilman's Point (5,685 m), the rim of the crater, and continue on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
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Celebrate your achievement and enjoy stunning views of glaciers and the plains below.
Altitude: 4,720 m - 5,685 m - 5,895 m
Hiking distance: 6 km
Hiking duration: 6-8 hours
- Day 6 -
The Descent Back to Horombo Hut
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Descend back to Kibo Hut (4,720 m) for a brief rest and for refreshments.
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Spend the rest of the day continuing your descend to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.
Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,720 m - 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 15 km
Hiking duration: 6-8 hours
- Day 7 -
The Final Descent to Marangu Gate
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Descend from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,879 m), where you’ll celebrate your Kilimanjaro success and receive your commemorative certificate.
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Then, enjoy a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha, where you can relax and unwind after your monumental achievement.
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Depending on your travel plans, this marks the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure with Stunning Kilimanjaro.
Altitude: 3,720 m - 1,879 m
Hiking distance: 19 km
Hiking duration: 5-7 hours
- Day 8 -
- Day 9 -
- Day 10 -
- Day 11 -
Continue Your Adventure
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Reaching the Roof of Africa is an incredible achievement, but your Tanzanian adventure doesn’t have to end here.
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Extend your journey with a thrilling safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, where you can witness the Big Five and the Great Migration.
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For ultimate relaxation, unwind on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, where turquoise waters, Swahili culture, and fresh seafood awaits.
Congratulations!
You have successfully conquered Mount Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route.
Included
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All entrance fees including government taxes.
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All activities (unless indicated as optional).
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All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
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A professional driver and mountain guide, including expert guidance and informative commentary.
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3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
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Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
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Pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
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Camping equipment and porter services.
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Official certificates issued by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA).
Excluded
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International and/or domestic flights.
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Tips (read Additional Advice).
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Visa (50 USD for Tanzania)
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Medical and/or travel insurance.
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Local SIM card.
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Personal expenses, such as souvenirs.
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Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and meals not specified as included.
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Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
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Medical evacuation by helicopter.
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Increases in taxes or park fees initiated by the government or other official authorities.