The classic “tourist route” — the easiest and shortest path with comfortable
sleeping huts, solar lights, and beds at every camp.
6 Days on MountainHut AccommodationMax Altitude 5,895mFull Board Meals
Tour Overview
Max Altitude5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
TransportTo & From the Mountain
MealsFull Board
The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the
easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts
of sleeping huts at every campsite complete with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds
at both Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are
available at the two lower huts. This route is usually done in five days but can be done
in six for better acclimatization — with an extra day at Horombo or a hike on Mawenzi.
Route Map
Itinerary / Tour Schedule
1 Arrive in Moshi
Welcome to Moshi — the quaint, laid-back town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
2 Free in Moshi — Overnight in Hotel
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide and have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore, take part in an informal group tour around town, visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
3 Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Leave from your hotel after breakfast, drive to Marangu gate to meet your guides and porters. Start your climb walking through the rain forest to Mandara hut. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
4 Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast leave the glades of forest and follow an ascending path up the moorland to Horombo hut. Lunch will be served halfway between Mandara and Horombo. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
5 Horombo Hut (Acclimatization Day)
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi ridge, passing the Zebra Rocks (about 3.4 hours up and down), is strongly recommended. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
6 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, continue ascending through alpine desert toward Kibo Hut at the base of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent. Overnight at Kibo Hut.
7 Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
A long, hard day! Leaving at 1:00 am for the summit on steep scree up to Gilman’s Point at 5,895 m. Here you will rest and enjoy views at the crater rim before ascending to Uhuru Peak around 8 a.m. From the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch and on to Horombo Hut for overnight. Trekking poles are recommended. Congratulations — you made it to the Roof of Africa!
8 Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Our last hike of 5–6 hours is a descent to the trailhead at Marangu Gate. At the gate you will have a short ceremony with your mountain crew, say goodbye, and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to your hotel.
9 Departure
For those returning home, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar, you will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
