The Marangu Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular paths, and for good reason. Unlike other routes, it features sleeping huts along the way, complete with mattresses, pillows, basic washrooms, and a communal dining hall—so no tents are required. Its gentle slopes and fewer steep climbs make it more accessible, earning it nicknames like the “tourist route” and even the “Coca-Cola Route,” thanks to soft drinks available at the huts.
Note: Because the Marangu is shorter than some other routes, climbers have less time to acclimatize to the high altitudes, which can sometimes affect summit success. Climbers ascend and descend the same route, so the scenery on the way down mirrors your climb up.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
Meals: Dinner
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, where a CATS driver will meet you and transfer you to the Springlands Hotel (or similar) in Moshi. Relax, enjoy dinner, and rest up for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2: Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
2,740 m / 9,000 ft
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be picked up and driven to Marangu Gate. Your guide will brief you before the trek begins. The hike to Mandara Hut takes you through lush rainforest, where you can enjoy the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. At Mandara, settle in, enjoy dinner, and share stories with fellow climbers.
Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
3,690 m / 12,100 ft — 6–8 hours, 11 km / 6.8 mi
Today you ascend from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, moving from rainforest into moorland. Along the way, spot giant lobelia and other exotic alpine plants. Arrive at Horombo, enjoy dinner, hot water for washing, and rest for your continued ascent. Two days down, the adventure continues!
Day 4: Acclimatization – Mawenzi Hut
4,572 m / 15,000 ft — Approx. 4 hours
Acclimatization is critical for summit success. Take a round-trip hike to Mawenzi Hut, allowing your body to adapt to thinner air while enjoying the high-altitude scenery. Stay hydrated and rest in the evening for the next day’s trek toward Kibo.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
4,695 m / 15,400 ft — 6–8 hours, 10 km / 6.2 mi
After breakfast, trek toward the saddle, the high desert between Mawenzi and Kibo Hut. Stock up on water at 4,130 m / 13,549 ft, as no natural water is available until you descend. Arrive at Kibo Hut, a stone refuge in the alpine desert, and prepare for summit night.
Day 6: Summit – Uhuru Peak – Descent to Horombo Hut
5,895 m / 19,340 ft — 10–15 hours, 18 km / 11 mi
Summit day begins around midnight with a light snack. Hike the final steep, rocky section through snow and high-altitude terrain until you reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point! Celebrate, take photos, and savor the achievement. Then begin the descent: 3 hours to Kibo Hut for a rest, then onward to Horombo Hut. This is a challenging but unforgettable day.
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Mandara Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi
890 m / 2,920 ft — 5–7 hours, 18 km / 11 mi
Enjoy breakfast, then descend through moorland and rainforest back to Mandara Hut, and finally to Marangu Gate. Sign the summit register and receive a certificate if you reached the top! Transfer back to Springlands Hotel (or similar) for dinner and rest.
Day 8: Departure – Fly Home or Extend Your Safari
Meals: Breakfast
Your CATS driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, continue on a wildlife safari to Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or other national parks for an extended adventure. Kilimanjaro is no longer just a name; you’ve experienced it, conquered it, and made memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights of the Marangu Route with CATS:
- Comfortable sleeping huts with mattresses, pillows, and washrooms
- Communal dining halls—no tents required
- Gentle slopes, fewer steep climbs
- Acclimatization day for summit readiness
- Round-trip hike to Mawenzi for acclimatization
- Summit of Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point
- Certificates for successful climbers
