A route highly recommended for novice climbers, the Marangu route is one of the quickest and most direct routes to the summit. It has a consistent rate of ascension, making acclimatization and stamina easier to regulate. It is the most popular route on the mountain and boasts one of the finest treks through the humid rainforest, brimming with exotic sights and sounds.
Affectionately known as the ‘Coca Coca Route’, in a past life, the Marangu route was previously renowned for the availability of soft drinks at the park huts. As the simplest route on offer, it naturally attracts more adventurers than all the other routes combined. This embeds a real sense of camaraderie for those on their very first mountain climbing adventure.
It is the only route on offer to ascend and descend by the same two-way path, and uses park huts, as opposed to tents, for accommodation. This is perfect for travelers tempted by a sense of comfort and who want to meet other walkers along the way and share their spirited adventure. Also, for hikers in the rainy season, the promise of a warm bed and dry walls is a further pull.
The Marangu Route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola” route, is a popular choice for climbing Kilimanjaro, mainly because it offers hut accommodations instead of tents. You can choose between a 5-day or 6-day journey.
5-Day Journey
This is a faster option and is best for climbers who have recent experience at high altitudes and are in excellent shape. This itinerary doesn’t include a day to acclimatize, which means it has a lower summit success rate (typically around 60-70%).
6-Day Experience
This is the highly recommended option for most climbers. It includes a crucial acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, which allows your body to adjust to the altitude. This strategy of “climbing high and sleeping low” significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit, with success rates often reaching 75-85% or higher. The extra day makes the climb more relaxed and safer.
The Marangu Route starts at the Marangu Gate and uses the same path for both the way up and the way down.
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The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is a popular choice for climbing Kilimanjaro, mainly because you sleep in huts instead of tents. While it’s often considered an “easier” climb due to its less technical terrain, your summit success rate largely depends on the itinerary you choose.
Itinerary Options and Success Rates
5-Day Itinerary
This is a faster, more challenging option with a lower success rate (around 50-65%). It doesn’t include a dedicated day for your body to adjust to the altitude, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. This option is best suited for climbers who are already in great shape and have significant experience at high altitudes.
6-Day Itinerary:
This is the recommended choice for most people, as it includes a crucial extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization. This allows your body to better adapt to the altitude, significantly boosting your summit success rate to 70-85% or higher. The extra day makes the climb safer and more enjoyable.
Other Things to Consider
While the Marangu Route offers comfortable huts and a more gradual ascent, it’s an out-and-back trail, meaning you take the same path up and down. This results in less varied scenery compared to other routes. Due to its popularity, it can also be more crowded.
For those who prefer the comfort of hut accommodations and want a well-supported climb with a high chance of success, the 6-day Marangu Route is an excellent option for reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the gateway to Tanzania.
Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.
In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.
Your first day on the Marangu route begins with a roughly hour-long drive to Marangu Gate. From there, you’ll embark on a trek through the lush rainforest, characterized by its vibrant green canopy. A picnic lunch will be served at Kisambioni, approximately halfway through your journey. You’ll continue through the rainforest until you reach your day’s destination, Mandara Hut. The afternoon is yours to relax, or you can opt for a short walk around Maundi Crater for an excellent view of Taveta to the east.
Distance: 8km
Estimated hiking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain; 841m
Vegetation zone: Rain Forest
Following breakfast, your trek continues towards Horombo Huts. Today’s landscape offers a stark contrast to the previous day’s rainforest, as you’ll traverse the distinctive moorland zone of Kilimanjaro. You are expected to arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day allocated for rest and recuperation.
Distance: 11km
Estimated hiking time 5-6 hours
Elevation gain; 1000m
Vegetation zone: Transition from rain Forest to Moorland
After breakfast, you’ll begin the final ascent of your 5-day Marangu route, trekking through the alpine desert at Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes. You’ll stop for lunch at the Red Hill picnic site. Despite the barren desert environment with sparse vegetation, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon. To prepare for the challenging midnight climb, an early bedtime is highly recommended.
Distance: 9km
Estimated hiking time 5-6 hours
Elevation gain; 983m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
Just after midnight, you’ll begin the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.” This strenuous 5-hour climb to Gillman’s Point is difficult, even though it’s considered the easiest route. From Gillman’s, it’s another two hours to reach your ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your achievement and capturing memories, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue your descent to Horombo Huts, where you can relax and enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Distance: 21km
Estimated hiking time 10-12 hours
Elevation gain; 1192m
Elevation loss; 2175m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
After your final breakfast on Kilimanjaro, you’ll begin your last trek, descending through the misty rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, our vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Distance: 19km
Estimated hiking time 6-8 hours
Elevation loss; –1841m
Vegetation zone: Transition from Moorland to rainforest
After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.
NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee
Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the gateway to Tanzania.
Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.
In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.
Your first day on the Marangu route begins with a roughly hour-long drive to Marangu Gate. From there, you’ll embark on a trek through the lush rainforest, characterized by its vibrant green canopy. A picnic lunch will be served at Kisambioni, approximately halfway through your journey. You’ll continue through the rainforest until you reach your day’s destination, Mandara Hut. The afternoon is yours to relax, or you can opt for a short walk around Maundi Crater for an excellent view of Taveta to the east.
Distance; 8km
Estimated hiking time; 4-5 hours
Elevation gain; 841m
Vegetation zone; Rain Forest
Following breakfast, your trek continues towards Horombo Huts. Today’s landscape offers a stark contrast to the previous day’s rainforest, as you’ll traverse the distinctive moorland zone of Kilimanjaro. You are expected to arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day allocated for rest and recuperation.
Distance; 11km
Estimated hiking time 5-6 hours
Elevation gain; 1000m
Vegetation zone; Transition from rain Forest to Moorland
Day three is dedicated to acclimatization, a crucial step to increase your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak. You’ll hike to Zebra Rocks, a trek specifically designed to help your body adjust to the altitude. As a bonus, this hike offers spectacular views of Kibo from a unique vantage point. After your hike, you’ll return to Horombo Huts for a delicious lunch, with the rest of the day free for relaxation.
Distance: 2.5-3 km one way
Estimated hiking time 2-3 hours
Elevation gains and loss; +300m, -300m
Vegetation zone: Moorland
After breakfast, you’ll begin the final ascent of your 6-day Marangu route, trekking through the alpine desert at Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes. You’ll stop for lunch at the Red Hill picnic site. Despite the barren desert environment with sparse vegetation, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon. To prepare for the challenging midnight climb, an early bedtime is highly recommended.
Distance; 9km
Estimated hiking time 5-6 hours
Elevation gain; 983m
Vegetation zone; Alpine desert
Just after midnight, you’ll begin the challenging final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.” This strenuous 5-hour climb to Gillman’s Point is difficult, even though it’s considered the easiest route. From Gillman’s, it’s another two hours to reach your ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak. After celebrating your achievement and capturing memories, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue your descent to Horombo Huts, where you can relax and enjoy your final night on the mountain.
Distance: 21km
Estimated hiking time: 10-12 hours
Elevation gain; 1192m
Elevation loss; 2175m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
After your final breakfast on Kilimanjaro, you’ll begin your last trek, descending through the misty rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival, our vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
Distance: 19km
Estimated hiking time: 6-8 hours
Elevation loss; –1841m
Vegetation zone: Transition from Moorland to rain forest
After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.
NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee
Our classic climbing package is the ideal choice for most adventurers, blending great comfort with the highest safety standards to create an unforgettable experience.
Everything you need for a successful trek is included: experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, and nutritionist-designed meals.
Your safety is our top priority. All our guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and every expedition includes oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits, and mandatory medical check-ups twice a day. For your peace of mind, a GPS device tracks your party’s progress in real-time, allowing you to share a link with family and friends.
Before and after your climb, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with caring staff, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and hot water.
Price per person
Price per person
To ensure a smooth start and end to your climb, our package provides dedicated transfers specifically for your journey to and from the park gate. For your arrival and departure at the airport, we offer a separate, optional transfer service that can be arranged at your convenience. Just let us know your flight details if you’d like us to organize this for you.
Your pre and post-climb accommodation is included in your package. We’ve arranged comfortable stays for you before and after your climb to ensure you’re well-rested and ready for your adventure.
For your convenience and comfort on the mountain, we provide all necessary camping equipment for the trip, including tents, cooking gear, and dining essentials. Please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Rest assured, all your meals throughout the entire climbing trip will be freshly prepared by our team. We’ve got your culinary needs covered from start to finish!
You’ll be in excellent hands with our experienced team on the mountain. Our well-trained and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified guides will lead the way, ensuring your safety and success. Our hardworking porters will manage all your gear, and our dedicated cook will prepare delicious meals, making your entire trip enjoyable and seamless.
For your safety on the mountain, an emergency oxygen tank is included and will be carried by the crew throughout your climb.
Your safety is our priority. We include daily medical check-ups by our WFR-certified guides, and our crew will carry a fully loaded medical kit to address any health concerns that may arise during the trek.
For your peace of mind, we provide 24/7 support via satellite phone throughout your entire trip, ensuring constant communication and emergency access no matter where you are on the mountain.
To ensure a completely hassle-free experience, all necessary park entrance fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, and government taxes are fully included in your package price. This means you won’t encounter any hidden costs for accessing the national park or climbing Kilimanjaro itself, allowing you to focus purely on your adventure.
You’ll have the full backing of our dedicated support team throughout your entire journey. From your initial inquiry until you safely return home, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Don’t worry about your extra luggage while you’re on the mountain. We provide a safe and secure storage room for any bags you don’t need to take on your climb. You can leave your belongings with us with complete peace of mind, and they’ll be ready for you upon your return
We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.
By booking directly with us, you directly fuel positive change. Your adventure provides stable employment for guides, porters, and cooks from nearby villages. We also commit to sourcing our supplies locally, ensuring your trip’s economic benefits flow right into the hands of area businesses and families, cultivating true prosperity within the region.
Please note that international flights are not included in the package price. You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as your entry and exit point for this trip.
Please note that tips for your climbing crew are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by our hardworking team for their excellent service. We encourage you to read more about our suggested tipping structure on our website for detailed guidance.
Please be aware that visa fees are not included in your package. You will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for entry into Tanzania.
Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the visa application process, we highly recommend you read our detailed article on visa application procedures available on our website. It provides step-by-step guidance to assist you.
Please note that personal gear rentals (e.g., specialized clothing, trekking poles, etc.) are not included in your package. While you’ll need to bring your own personal climbing and trekking equipment, it’s worth noting that there are reliable rental shops here in Tanzania.
This means you don’t necessarily have to buy all the equipment, especially if you don’t anticipate needing it for future treks. Instead of carrying a heavy load of gear from home, you can opt to bring essential items and rent the rest upon your arrival, making your travel much lighter and more convenient.
Please note that our package pricing is based on shared accommodation (double occupancy). If you are a solo traveler and prefer a private room, a single supplement will apply and will be an additional charge to your package.
Important note: A single supplement option is not offered on the Marangu route. This is due to the nature of the overnight stays, which are in shared mountain huts designed to accommodate groups of up to 20 trekkers.
Please be advised that travel insurance is not included in your package. It is mandatory for all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that lunch and dinner at your hotel before and after your climb are not included in your package. Only breakfast is provided at the hotel. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own dining options for lunch and dinner during these times.
The Marangu route presents a significant challenge for delivering a premium package experience due to its inherent accommodation structure. The communal hut system, which is a defining feature of the route, fundamentally restricts the ability to implement the exclusive and high-end amenities typically associated with a premium offering. This includes private sleeping quarters, en-suite bathroom facilities, and customized dining services, which are difficult to integrate into the route’s established infrastructure.
In contrast, Bush 2 City Adventure excels at providing an excellent premium experience on other routes. Our expertise lies in crafting luxurious and personalized journeys on alternative Kilimanjaro routes, as well as on our acclaimed safari and beach holiday packages, where we can fully utilize high-end, private accommodations to deliver the exceptional service our clients expect.
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is unique for its hut accommodations and is often considered a good option for climbers seeking a more comfortable and established trekking experience.
The Marangu route earned its nickname, the “Coca-Cola” route, because it was historically seen as the most comfortable and “touristy” option, even offering basic amenities like bottled Coca-Cola at some huts. However, it’s important to remember that this does not mean the climb is easy; it still requires proper fitness and preparation.
Following your Kilimanjaro climb, you have the opportunity to extend your adventure by adding a safari or a relaxing beach vacation. This allows you to experience the diverse beauty of Tanzania in a single, comprehensive trip. We can customize an itinerary that seamlessly transitions from the high-altitude challenge of the mountain to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti or the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.After the Ascent, the Adventure Awaits
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