Marangu Gate — Mandara Huts
- Elevation
- 6,102 ft / 1,860 m → 8,858 ft / 2,700 m
- Distance
- 8 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Forest path to the first hut cluster.
On the trail with your mountain crew · Kilimanjaro National Park
Overview
The Marangu Route is known as the “Coca-Cola Route” and is the only route with comfortable mountain huts instead of camping.
Highlights
- Accommodation in mountain huts
- Gradual and direct trail
- Ideal for beginners
- Scenic alpine landscapes
Day-by-day itinerary
The only route with dormitory huts; same trail up and down. Six days add a little more rest at Horombo than a five-day schedule.
Mandara — Horombo Huts
- Elevation
- 8,858 ft / 2,700 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Hiking time
- 5–6 hours
Heath and moorland with wide views.
Horombo — Kibo Huts
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 15,419 ft / 4,700 m
- Distance
- 9 km
- Hiking time
- 5–6 hours
Alpine desert crossing toward the summit massif.
Kibo — Uhuru Peak — Horombo Huts
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft / 5,895 m; return to ~12,205 ft / 3,720 m
- Distance
- ~16–18 (round trip sections) km
- Hiking time
- 10–14 hours
Steep summit night on scree; descent back to Horombo for recovery.
Horombo — Mandara Huts
- Elevation
- 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 8,858 ft / 2,700 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Hiking time
- 4–5 hours
Long descent through moorland.
Mandara — Marangu Gate
- Elevation
- 8,858 ft / 2,700 m → 6,102 ft / 1,860 m
- Distance
- 8 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Final forest walk to sign out and certificates.