Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2–6: To be spent on the mountain
Day 7: Departure day
About Marangu Route:
The Marangu Route, popularly known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the oldest and most established trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is unique because it is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers overnight accommodation in mountain huts, making it a popular choice for climbers who prefer sleeping in huts rather than camping. The route begins at Marangu Gate on the southeastern side of the mountain and follows a well-established trail through Kilimanjaro’s different climatic zones. The trek starts in the lush tropical rainforest before continuing through open moorland and alpine desert towards Kibo, the summit area of Kilimanjaro.
One of the main advantages of the Marangu Route is its relatively gradual trail, making the hiking experience less rugged compared to some other routes. The hut accommodation also provides more shelter and comfort, particularly during periods of rain. The route follows the same trail for both the ascent and descent, giving it a more direct route style.
The Marangu Route can be completed in 5 or 6 days:
5 Days: Suitable for experienced climbers who are well acclimatized and comfortable with a faster itinerary.
6 Days: Recommended for climbers who prefer a more gradual pace, with an additional day to support altitude acclimatization.
Although the Marangu Route has a more gradual trail and hut accommodation, reaching the summit still requires good preparation, fitness, and determination. It is a suitable option for trekkers who value hut accommodation, a classic route, and a more direct approach to Uhuru Peak.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek, followed by an equipment check to ensure you have all the essential gear. Any missing equipment can be rented before the climb.
In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and relax at the hotel as you prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure. Overnight at your hotel in Moshi.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi at around 8:00 AM and driven to Marangu Gate. Once the park registration and necessary formalities are completed, you will begin your approximately 5-hr hike to Mandara Hut, covering about 9 km. The trail leads through the lush and dense rainforest, where you may spot wildlife, including blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Upon reaching Mandara Hut, you will have time to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If time and energy allow, your guide can take you on a short excursion to Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy beautiful views stretching toward the Kenyan side of the mountain. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi | Approx. time taken: 5 hours
After an early breakfast, you will leave Mandara Hut and continue your ascent toward Horombo Hut (3,700 m). The trail gradually leaves the rainforest behind as you cross into the heath and moorland zone. The hike takes approximately 4–6 hrs, with the changing landscape offering beautiful views along the way.
Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you will have time to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery surrounding the campsite. From here, you can admire impressive views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, as well as the vast plains of the Masai Steppe in the distance. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi | Approx. time taken: 9 hours
After breakfast, you will begin a long and challenging trek toward Kibo Hut (4,700 m). The trail gradually leaves the heath and moorland behind, leading into the vast and barren Saddle, a high-altitude desert plateau connecting the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. After crossing this impressive landscape, you will continue toward Kibo Hut, which usually takes around 5–6 hrs.
Upon arrival, you will have lunch and time to rest while preparing for the summit attempt. An early dinner will be served, followed by an early night, as you will wake up around midnight to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi | Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Today is the highlight of your Kilimanjaro adventure. You will wake up around 1:00 AM and begin the challenging final ascent toward the summit. The trail climbs steadily over rocky terrain, passing Hans Meyer Cave (5,220 m) before continuing toward Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. After reaching Gilman’s Point around sunrise, you will continue for approximately 1 hr 30 min along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Here, you will have time to take photos and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise before beginning your descent.
You will descend back to Kibo Hut for a warm lunch and a well-deserved 1–2 hr rest. After recovering, you will continue the descent toward Horombo Hut, passing through the changing mountain landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, you will have dinner and spend your final night on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi | Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
After breakfast, you will begin your final descent from Horombo Hut, passing through the beautiful heath and moorland zone toward Mandara Hut (2,700 m). Here, you will stop for a hot lunch and a short rest before continuing downhill through the lush tropical rainforest toward Marangu Gate (1,860 m). The descent takes approximately 6 hrs in total.
At the park gate, you will complete the final formalities and say goodbye to your mountain crew. You will then be transferred by vehicle back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, relax, and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro summit.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi | Approx. time taken: 8 hours
After completing your Kilimanjaro adventure, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, according to your travel arrangements.
If you wish to extend your stay in Tanzania, we can arrange a cultural experience, a relaxing Zanzibar beach getaway, or an exciting wildlife safari. You can explore iconic destinations such as Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.
Novella Safaris has been running Tanzanian journeys. Our licensed guides, modern 4×4 Land Cruisers, and 24/7 in-country support make us the trusted choice for over 4,800 travellers to date. Group size is capped so every guest gets personal attention.
All in-destination transport is included: airport pickup, park drives in custom 4×4 vehicles, inter-park transfers. International and domestic flights are not included.
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at parks, lodges and shops. ATMs are available in Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar and major hubs. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and bank wire.
Clothing: Layered, muted colours; light hiking pants, breathable shirts, warm fleece and waterproof shell.
Footwear: Broken-in walking shoes, sandals, warm socks.
Essentials: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, insect repellent, small day pack, binoculars, camera with spare batteries, headlamp.
Documents: Passport (6+ months validity), visa, travel insurance, printed itinerary copies.
First-aid: Personal medication, ibuprofen, malaria prophylaxis, plasters, oral rehydration salts.
Departure: Novella Safaris office, Moshi, Tanzania.
Pickup available from: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK), Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
Tipping is customary and appreciated. Guideline: USD 15 per day for driver-guides, USD 10 per day for cooks, USD 5 per day for camp staff. Tips are paid at the end of the trip.
Send us an enquiry — a Tanzania-based trip designer will reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal, no obligation.
Deposit: 20% at reservation to confirm your booking.
Balance: Due 60 days before departure.
Accepted methods: Visa · Mastercard · AMEX · bank wire.
Documents required: Signed booking form, passport with 6+ months validity, valid visa, travel insurance.
30+ days before departure: 20% of the total trip cost retained.
14–29 days before departure: 50% retained.
Less than 14 days: 100% retained.
If you find a replacement 14+ days before departure, no cancellation fee applies.