Kilimanjaro Routes

Marangu Route

Coca-Cola Route

Duration
5-6 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Success Rate
65%
Start Elevation
1,860m
Summit Elevation
5,895m
Approach
Southeast

About This Route

Coca-Cola Route

The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established route on Mount Kilimanjaro, earning its "Coca-Cola Route" nickname from the sodas sold at the hut stops along the way. It is the only route that offers sleeping huts with mattresses instead of tents, making it popular with those who prefer a roof over their heads.

Approaching from the southeast, the Marangu Route follows a relatively gentle gradient compared to other routes. The trail passes through beautiful rainforest before ascending through moorland and alpine desert to reach Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit push. The route is an "up and down" path, meaning you ascend and descend on the same trail.

While the Marangu Route is often described as the "easiest" route, this is somewhat misleading. Its relatively short standard 5-day itinerary does not allow as much time for acclimatization as longer routes, which contributes to its lower success rate. We strongly recommend the 6-day option with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut to significantly improve your chances of reaching the summit.

Day by Day

Your Journey to the Summit

Register at Marangu Gate and begin the trek through beautiful montane rainforest. The well-maintained trail passes through a canopy of giant trees draped in moss. Visit the side trail to Maundi Crater for views of the surrounding lowlands.

Elevation:1860m to 2720m
Distance:8km
Time:3-5 hours

Leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. The trail opens up with views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The giant groundsels and lobelias create an otherworldly landscape. Arrive at Horombo Hut.

Elevation:2720m to 3720m
Distance:12km
Time:5-7 hours

Spend an extra day at Horombo for acclimatization. Take a hike toward Mawenzi Hut (4,200m) for views of the dramatic Mawenzi peak, then return to Horombo. This day significantly improves summit success rates.

Elevation:3720m to 4200m to 3720m
Distance:8km
Time:4-5 hours

Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, a vast alpine desert landscape. The air thins noticeably as you approach Kibo Hut. Rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Early dinner and sleep.

Elevation:3720m to 4703m
Distance:10km
Time:5-7 hours

Midnight departure for the summit via Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descend all the way to Horombo Hut for the night.

Elevation:4703m to 5895m to 3720m
Distance:21km
Time:14-16 hours

Final descent through the moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificates and celebrate with your team. Transfer to your hotel.

Elevation:3720m to 1860m
Distance:20km
Time:5-7 hours

Everything You Need

What's Included

✓ Included

  • Professional mountain guides
  • Porters and cook
  • Park, hut and rescue fees
  • Hut accommodation at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Filtered water
  • Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
  • Airport transfers

✗ Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips/gratuities
  • Pre and post trek accommodation

Prepare for Your Climb

Training & Preparation

Physical Training

A 12-week training program is recommended. Focus on hiking with a loaded pack, regular cardio sessions, and leg strength exercises including squats, lunges, and step-ups.

Acclimatization

"Pole pole" (slowly, slowly) is the Kilimanjaro mantra. Staying hydrated (3-4 litres daily) and maintaining a steady pace are your best strategies for avoiding altitude sickness.

Gear

Quality hiking boots (broken in!) are essential. Bring a layering system for temperatures ranging from -20°C at the summit to +30°C in the rainforest.

Mental Preparation

Summit night is the toughest part. Mental resilience and a positive mindset will carry you when your body wants to stop.

Read Full Preparation Guide →
Preparing for Kilimanjaro climb

Common Questions

Kilimanjaro FAQs

You do not need to be an elite athlete to climb Kilimanjaro, but a reasonable level of fitness is essential. The climb is not technically difficult, but it is physically demanding due to the duration (5-9 days of trekking) and the altitude. We recommend starting a training program at least 8-12 weeks before your climb, focusing on cardiovascular fitness (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and endurance. Regular long walks with a loaded daypack on hilly terrain are the best preparation. Many successful climbers are regular recreational hikers and gym-goers rather than experienced mountaineers.
Essential gear includes: quality waterproof hiking boots (broken in before the trip), a warm down jacket rated to -15C, thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell jacket and trousers, warm hat and gloves, gaiters, trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, a sleeping bag rated to -15C (or rent one from us), a daypack (25-30 liters), water bottles or hydration bladder, and high-SPF sunscreen. We provide a comprehensive gear list upon booking and can arrange rental of sleeping bags and trekking poles if needed. Do not buy brand new boots for the climb; break them in thoroughly first.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS) is the biggest challenge on Kilimanjaro. Key prevention strategies include: choosing a longer route with better acclimatization (7+ days), walking slowly ("pole pole" in Swahili), drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, eating well even when appetite decreases, and communicating any symptoms to your guide immediately. Some climbers use Acetazolamide (Diamox) as a prophylactic, which should be discussed with your doctor before the trip. Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen levels and are trained to recognize AMS symptoms early.
No prior climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary to climb Kilimanjaro. The mountain is classified as a trek rather than a technical climb, meaning no ropes, harnesses, or specialized climbing skills are required. The Barranco Wall on the Machame and Lemosho routes involves some basic scrambling using hands and feet, but it is non-technical and guided. The most important factors for success are physical fitness, mental determination, proper acclimatization, and listening to your guide. Many of our successful summit climbers had never attempted anything like it before.
Our mountain cooks prepare fresh, nutritious meals designed to fuel your climb. Breakfast typically includes porridge, eggs, toast, fruit, tea, and coffee. Lunch is usually a packed lunch with sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit, snacks, and juice, eaten at a scenic rest stop. Dinner is a three-course meal including soup, a main course (pasta, rice, meat, or fish with vegetables), and dessert. We also provide plenty of snacks, hot drinks, and filtered water throughout the day. We can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets with advance notice.
On most routes, we provide a private portable toilet for our climbing groups, ensuring hygienic and comfortable facilities throughout the trek. The portable toilet is carried by our porters and set up at each campsite in a private tent. Public toilet facilities (long-drop latrines) are available at campsites but vary in quality. The Marangu Route has flush toilets at its huts. We recommend bringing your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable wet wipes for personal hygiene. Our commitment to Leave No Trace principles means all waste is carried down the mountain.
There is no electricity on Kilimanjaro (except at the Marangu huts which have limited charging points). We recommend bringing a portable power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh) to charge your phone and camera. Solar chargers can work but are unreliable due to cloud cover and limited sun exposure in the forest. Bring spare batteries for your camera, especially as batteries drain faster in cold conditions. To conserve phone battery, keep your phone in airplane mode and use it primarily for photos and emergency communication. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergencies.
Your safety is always our top priority. If you develop severe altitude sickness symptoms or are unable to continue for any reason, our guides will arrange a safe descent with a dedicated guide and porter escort. This decision is never taken lightly and is always made in consultation with you, but our guides have the final authority on safety decisions. Descending to lower altitude is the most effective treatment for altitude sickness, and most people recover rapidly. Even if you do not reach Uhuru Peak, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) or Gilman's Point (5,681m) is still an incredible achievement and you will receive a certificate.

More Options

Explore Other Routes

Machame Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 85%
Challenging

Lemosho Route

7-8 Days
Success Rate: 90%
Moderate-challenging

Rongai Route

6-7 Days
Success Rate: 80%
Moderate

Northern Circuit Route

8-9 Days
Success Rate: 95%
Moderate

Umbwe Route

5-6 Days
Success Rate: 70%
Difficult

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