The classic "Coca-Cola Route" — the only Kilimanjaro path with hut accommodation, ideal for those who prefer not to camp.
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established path up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the only route on the mountain where you sleep in permanent dormitory huts with bunk beds and mattresses, rather than in tents — a major plus during rainy seasons and for trekkers who want a bit more comfort.
Our 6-day version includes an essential extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, which significantly improves your summit success rate compared to the short 5-day option. Marangu uses the same path up and down, so you'll see familiar scenery on the descent.
Transfer from Moshi to Marangu Gate (about 1 hour) for registration. Begin a gentle climb through dense montane rainforest with monkeys overhead. Reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon — a cluster of A-frame huts in a clearing. Optional 30-min walk to the Maundi Crater viewpoint.
Leave the rainforest behind and climb out into heath and moorland with giant lobelia and groundsel. The trail offers superb views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on clear days. Reach Horombo Hut by mid-afternoon.
Spend an extra day at Horombo for acclimatisation. A morning walk to the Zebra Rocks (4,000m) or towards Mawenzi base camp helps your body adjust to the altitude — a "climb high, sleep low" principle that dramatically increases summit success.
Cross "The Saddle" — a stark, lunar-like alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo. Reach Kibo Hut in the early afternoon for an early dinner and rest. You'll be woken just before midnight for the summit attempt.
Midnight departure for the steep scree slope up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then along the rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Photographs, celebration, then a long descent all the way back to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.
Final descent through moorland and rainforest back to the gate. Collect your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi by lunchtime.
From $1,670 per person — sleep in huts, climb in comfort.