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A trekker on a mountain trail winding up through the high country
5 days · 4 nights

Kilimanjaro — Marangu Route

The classic "Coca-Cola" route to the roof of Africa.

Duration
5 days · 4 nights
From
On request
Best season
January – March · June – October
Group size
Up to 8
Route
Marangu Gate · Mandara Hut · Horombo Hut · Kibo Hut · Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Meals
All meals included
Stay
Mountain huts throughout

Prices are indicative, per person based on two sharing, and vary with group size, accommodation category, travel dates and season.

01The Journey

Overview

The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro's most popular and most accessible path to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres. Known as the "Coca-Cola Route" for its well-worn trail and comfortable hut accommodation, it is the only route on the mountain where you sleep in permanent mountain huts rather than tents.

Five days takes you from the lush rainforest at Marangu Gate through moorland, alpine desert and finally the glacial summit zone. An experienced Star Souls mountain crew accompanies you every step, with acclimatisation stops and daily health checks to give you the best chance of reaching the crater rim.

02Day by Day

The itinerary

A rhythm, not a schedule — every day flexes around what the bush is doing and what you feel like. This outline follows the route; your final day-by-day is confirmed when we tailor the trip.

  • Day 01

    Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut (2,700m)

    After breakfast and climb registration at Marangu Gate (1,830m), trek through dense rainforest to Mandara Hut. Overnight in mountain huts.

  • Day 02

    Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut (3,720m)

    The forest gives way to open moorland and giant heathers. Horombo Hut sits below the vast Mawenzi peak with sweeping views across the plains.

  • Day 03

    Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut (4,700m)

    Cross the Saddle — the lunar plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo — and climb to Kibo Hut. An early dinner and rest before your midnight summit push.

  • Day 04

    Summit Night → Horombo Hut

    Depart at 01:00am, climbing steeply through scree and snow to reach Uhuru Peak around sunrise. Descend to Kibo Hut for breakfast, then continue to Horombo Hut overnight.

  • Day 05

    Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha

    A final descent through the rainforest, summit certificates at the gate, and a transfer back to Arusha.

03The Details

What's covered

What's included

  • Professional licensed mountain guide
  • All park, rescue, and hut / camp fees
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Drinking water on the mountain
  • Porter and cook services
  • Pulse oximeters and walking poles
  • First aid kit and supplemental oxygen
  • Summit certificate
  • Return transfers from Arusha / Moshi

Not included

  • Personal hiking gear (boots, warm layers, sleeping bag)
  • Hotel accommodation before and after the trek
  • International flights and Tanzania visa
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
04Where You'll Go

Landscapes on this journey

Ready to make this journey yours?

Take this itinerary as it is, or tell us what to change — dates, pace, camps, everything is flexible.

  • Tanzanian owned
  • Licensed DMC
  • Tailor-made itineraries
  • Fast response