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5-6 days · Coca-Cola Route

Marangu Route, Kilimanjaro

The only route with hut accommodation. Shortest option but lower success rate due to insufficient acclimatization on 5-day attempts.

Get a quote for this routeSee the day-by-day plan
Price
From $1,900 pp
Length
5-6 days
Distance
64 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Typical summit
65%
Crowds
High

Overview

About the Marangu Route

The oldest and most established route, Marangu is the only path offering hut accommodation. It approaches from the southeast with a gradual ascent.

Starts at
Marangu Gate (southeast)
Altitude
1,860m to 5,895m
  • Hut accommodation
  • Gradual ascent
  • Good for beginners
  • Same ascent/descent path

The climb

Day by day

2,0003,0004,0005,0006,000Gate123456Uhuru 5,895 m
Altitude in metres for each day of the plan, numbered along the bottom. On days that climb high and drop back, it shows the high point.
  1. Day01

    Mandara Huts

    Altitude: 2,700mWalking: 3-4h

    Gentle walk through dense montane rainforest. A-frame huts with bunk beds.

  2. Day02

    Horombo Huts

    Altitude: 3,720mWalking: 5-6h

    Open heather-moorland with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Giant lobelias.

  3. Day03

    Horombo (accl.)

    Altitude: 4,200m → 3,720mWalking: 5h

    Acclimatization day — hike to Zebra Rocks at 4,200m and return. Critical for success.

  4. Day04

    Kibo Huts

    Altitude: 4,703mWalking: 5-6h

    Cross "The Saddle" between Kibo and Mawenzi. Basic stone buildings at summit base.

  5. Day05

    Summit + DescentSummit day

    Altitude: 5,895m → 3,720mWalking: 12-14h

    Midnight climb via "the Zig-Zag" to Gilman's Point, then ridge to Uhuru Peak.

  6. Day06

    Descent

    Altitude: 3,720m → 1,860mWalking: 4-5h

    Retrace your route through moorland and forest back to Marangu Gate.

Honest take

Is the Marangu Route right for you?

Why climbers pick it

  • Only route with hut accommodation
  • Gradual gradient
  • Shortest option (5 days)
  • More affordable

Things to weigh up

  • Lowest success rate (65% for 5-day)
  • Less scenic variety
  • Huts can be crowded
  • No wilderness feeling

Best for: Those who need huts (can't camp), budget climbers, rainy season climbers.

When to climb

The months we recommend for this route are marked. It's open all year; ask and we'll tell you what to expect in the wetter months.

  1. Jan (recommended)
  2. Feb (recommended)
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun (recommended)
  7. Jul (recommended)
  8. Aug (recommended)
  9. Sep (recommended)
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

How to prepare for the climbWhat a climb costs

Questions about the Marangu Route

Why is the Marangu success rate so low?

Most climbers attempt it in 5 days, giving insufficient acclimatization. The 6-day version increases success to ~80%. Always choose 6 days.

What are the huts like?

A-frame wooden huts with bunk beds and mattresses. Shared dining halls. Basic but dry and warmer than camping. Bring your own sleeping bag.

Is Marangu the easiest route?

Most gradual gradient, but the short schedule makes summit night harder. Ironically, "harder" longer routes have higher success rates.

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