The Marangu route on Kilimanjaro – a day-by-day itinerary
The original Kilimanjaro path is the Marangu. It is the only route where you do not camp but rather stay in cottages. Although the route is not particularly steep, its poor acclimatization profile contributes to its low summit success rate. This is a description of the route day by day.
Marangu route at a glance
One of the most well-known and historic Kilimanjaro routes is the Marangu. Because you stay in huts and may get a Coke along the way, it is commonly referred to as the Coca-Cola route.
The Marangu path heads southeast toward Kilimanjaro’s summit. There aren’t many severe climbs along the route, making it generally simple. However, because it hinders acclimatization, hikers who take this path frequently get altitude sickness and fail to reach the summit.
The Marangu course is 72 km (45 miles) long and may be finished in five or six days. It climbs the southeast slope of Kilimanjaro toward the summit.
Out of the seven Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu is the only one that provides hutted lodging. You have to camp on all other routes. (However, if you’d want, you can camp along the Marangu route.)
Only Marangu hikers utilize the same path for their descent because of the hut scenario. Because of this, the Marangu is the route with the least amount of scenery variation. Even so, the beauty you do see is breathtaking!
Climbing the Marangu path takes you through a few different climate zones: arctic peak, alpine desert, rainforest, and moorland.
Detailed route description
A five-day Marangu route is offered by several Kilimanjaro trip operators, but we don’t think it’s safe because the acclimatization period is too short. As a result, the more responsible six-day Marangu schedule is described below. Set up a call with our staff if you have any questions.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 1,843 m to 2,700 m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Although there are occasional gaps in the trees that provide views of the farmlands that blanket the mountain’s base outside of Kilimanjaro National Park, the first day of your Kilimanjaro trip is spent hiking in a dense rainforest. You spend the night in Mandara Hut, where the trek for the day comes to a conclusion.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
You hike through much more stunning rainforest on Day 2, but the woodland soon gives way to moor. It shows the snow-capped summits of Mawenzi and Kibo. You arrive at Horombo Hut, where you spend the night, after six to eight hours of hiking.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
You can divide your third day on the mountain into two sections: ascending to Mawenzi Ridge and then making your way back to Horombo Hut. This is because it aligns with the ‘climb high, sleep low’ acclimatization method, which aids your body in adapting to the taxing elevation.
Part 1 | Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,390 m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
You ascend from Horombo Hut into Kilimanjaro’s heath zone during this portion of the day’s hike. When you get at the horseshoe-shaped Mawenzi ridge, the climb takes a significant turn.
Part 2 | Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
After spending some time admiring the magnificent vistas upon arriving at Mawenzi Ridge, you return to Horombo Hut for an additional night. As previously said, a crucial acclimatization technique is to ascend high and then sleep low.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,750 m
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
You travel over the so-called Saddle today, which is a five-mile expanse of debris and comparatively empty space that links the craters of Kibo and Mawenzi. You stay in Kibo Hut for the night.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Today’s walk is divided into two sections, much as Day 3. You aim for the top in the first section! You begin your journey down the mountain after, hopefully, making it there, spending the night at the now-familiar Horombo Hut.
Part 1 | Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 4,703 m to 5,895 m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Around midnight, your guide wakes you up so you can prepare for the climb. Typically, today is the most physically and mentally taxing day of the Kilimanjaro climb. The path climbs into the pitch-black darkness to the northwest. You get at Stella Point and take in the sunrise in roughly six hours. You then hike for almost an additional hour on a snow-covered path to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, which is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level.
Part 2 | Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 5,895 m to 3,720 m
- Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
You descend to Horombo Hut for the night after reaching the top. We promise that after hiking for 12 to 15 hours, you will fall asleep right away!
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,843 m
- Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
Your vehicle is waiting for you at the base of the mountain, where you complete the final portion of your hike into the rainforest today. It’s time for a fantastic celebratory dinner and a beer!