7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu Route. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route”, Marangu is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodation along the trail. Making it an excellent choice for climbers seeking a well-supported and less rugged experience.

Your adventure begins in Arusha or Moshi, where you’ll meet your professional mountain crew and prepare for the trek. The climb officially starts at the Marangu Gate (1,860m), leading you through the lush rainforest to Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop.

As you ascend, the landscape transforms—from tropical forest to moorland and alpine desert. On your way to Horombo Hut and then Kibo Hut, enjoy scenic views of Mawenzi Peak and the vast plains below. The gradual slope and well-maintained trail make this route ideal for first-time high-altitude trekkers.

Your summit attempt begins at midnight from Kibo Hut, trekking under a blanket of stars toward Gilman’s Point, and onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Horombo and continue to the base the following day.

This 7-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, greatly increasing your chances of a successful and safe summit.

Why Choose the Marangu Route?

Only route with hut accommodations (no camping required)

Ideal for beginners or those seeking a gentler trek

Extra acclimatization day included

Scenic and gradual trail with professional support

All-inclusive: park fees, guides, meals, huts, and transfers

The 7-day Marangu Route offers a rewarding path to Kilimanjaro’s summit—comfortable, scenic, and unforgettable.

Scenic Views and Crowds
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Unfortunately, Marangu is less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent follow the same path. For this reason, it is also the most crowded route, with a higher number of climbers compared to other routes on the mountain.

Day 1: Arrival day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel for overnight accommodation. The Hotel offers a tranquil and luxurious retreat with an outdoor swimming pool for travellers seeking a unique experience. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

  • Therefore, driving Distance is: 29 / km (30 Mins)

Meals Plan:

Lunch | Dinner
Day 2: Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts: 7k /Mi | 4-5 Hrs | Rainforest

Departing from Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel, we drive for about one hour through the charming village of Marangu to reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, we complete the registration process and wait for our climbing permits to be issued.

As we prepare, you’ll experience the lively atmosphere of many trekking teams organizing their expeditions. Once on the trail, we hike through lush rainforest scenery along winding paths. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife.

At these lower elevations, the terrain can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for comfort and safety.

  • Distance: 7 km (4–5 hours)

  • Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft → 2,740m / 9,000ft

  • Zone: Rainforest

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts: 11km/3mi | 6-8hrs | Mooreland

Elevation: 2,740m / 9,000ft → 3,690m / 12,100ft

After a refreshing night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, the trek continues. Leaving behind the lush rainforest, the trail ascends steadily into the heathland zone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views and encounter unique high-altitude vegetation, including giant lobelias and groundsels.

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, while we stop for lunch, and later, when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Huts – Summit: 4km /2.5 Mi Up | 5-7hrs | – Horombo Huts: 14km /9mi Down | 5-6hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Excitement builds as morning arrives, starting early between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue to the summit in a switchback formation, trying to stay warm and focused on the fantastic sense of accomplishment ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here, you will likely encounter snow on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Congratulations, one step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We then begin our steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative, loose gravel, and volcano ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi: 18km/11mi |6-7hrs | Rainforest

After breakfast and a heartfelt farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, it’s time to descend. You’ll trek down through lush rainforest, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. This is also the point where you bid goodbye to your guides, cooks, and porters—remember to tip them for their incredible support during the climb.

Your descent continues until you reach the Marangu Gate, where you will receive your well-earned summit certificates. The trail can be wet, muddy, and steep, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for comfort and safety.

From the gate, a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha. Check in at the luxurious Gran Meliá Arusha Hotel, set on 18 acres of coffee and tea plantations. The hotel offers spectacular views of Mount Meru and provides the perfect setting to relax after your adventure.

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

You will stay here:

Gran Meliá Arusha Hotel

Day 7: Departure After breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. Take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. If you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure, and we’ll take care of that for you!

Meals Plan:

Breakfast | Lunch

Price Includes

Quality, waterproof, four-season private Mountain sleeping tents:
Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
All Park fees, Airport transfers, Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
Portable toilet
Pre and Post-Climb Accommodations
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Crisis management and safety procedures
Emergency oxygen
Medical Kit
Oximeter
Clean, purified drinking water
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Price Excludes

Tanzanian visa
Airfares
Traveller's insurance
Tips, Personal spending monies for souvenirs, etc.

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