The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and one of the most straightforward routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodations, offering a bit more comfort compared to camping. Below is a detailed 5-day/4-night Marangu Route itinerary.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Starting Elevation: 1,870 m / 6,135 ft (Marangu Gate)
• Ending Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft (Mandara Hut)

Description:
After breakfast, drive to the Marangu Gate (about 1 hour from Moshi) for registration. Begin your trek through the dense rainforest, where you’ll encounter lush vegetation, exotic birds, and possibly colobus monkeys. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon. A short hike to the Maundi Crater nearby offers stunning views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Starting Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft

Description:
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more open and rugged. The trail offers views of Mawenzi Peak and unique vegetation like giant groundsels and lobelias. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll rest and enjoy the expansive views.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Ending Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft

Description:
Today’s trek takes you through the alpine desert zone, with vast open spaces and a lunar-like landscape. Pass the “Last Water Point” and the iconic Zebra Rocks, a geological formation featuring striped rock patterns. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Kibo Hut, the base camp for your summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the final push to Uhuru Peak.

• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

• Hiking Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles)
  • Kibo to Uhuru: 6 km (3.7 miles)
  • Uhuru to Horombo: 16 km (10 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
  • Ascent: 6–8 hours
  • Descent: 4–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft
• Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Ending Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft

Description:
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, climbing the steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m / 18,650 ft). From there, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness a spectacular sunrise over the glaciers before beginning your descent. Stop briefly at Kibo Hut for rest and then continue to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.

• Vegetation Zone: Arctic (Summit) to Moorland (Descent)
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared dormitory-style huts)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• Hiking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Starting Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,200 ft
• Ending Elevation: 1,870 m / 6,135 ft

Description:
Descend back through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and rest.

• Vegetation Zone: Moorland to Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (optional, depending on package)