Usambara Mountain
3 Days 2 Nights-
5-6 Hours
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Camping Tented
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Experienced Guide
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Kilimanjaro / Arusha
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Kilimanjaro / Arusha
An overview
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest, most established path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). It is the only route that provides hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking comfort over tent camping. The route follows a direct ascent and descent path, meaning climbers use the same trail both up and down. Despite its reputation as one of the “easier” routes due to its gradual slopes, it has a lower summit success rate because many climbers underestimate the need for proper acclimatization.
The trek starts at Marangu Gate (1,870m), passing through lush rainforests, home to Colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and unique flora. As the altitude increases, the landscape transitions into the moorland zone, featuring giant lobelias and groundsels. Higher up, the terrain becomes a rocky alpine desert, leading to Kibo Hut (4,703m), the final stop before the summit push.
The summit attempt begins at midnight, with climbers trekking up to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, then to Stella Point (5,756m), before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The descent follows the same route, passing through Horombo Hut before reaching Marangu Gate.
Unlike other routes, Marangu offers a 5-day standard trek, but a 6-day itinerary is recommended to allow an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut, improving summit success rates. Though less scenic than other routes, it remains a popular and cost-effective choice for many climbers.
