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Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route

Duration
8 days
Price from
$3,837 pp.
Location
Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania
Kili climb

Trip Highlights

  • Climb the oldest route up the incredible Mt Kilimanjaro
  • Chef prepared meals throughout your hike
  • Get your Kili certificate!

What's Included

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Expert hiking guides
  • All transfers and park fees

The Classic Hut-to-Hut Route

Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola Route", Marangu is the oldest and most established trail up Kilimanjaro. With its gentle gradient, direct path, and hut accommodation, it offers a more comfortable and familiar trekking experience.

Marangu is the most well known of the Kilimanjaro routes and a popular choice for first-time climbers and those looking for a less rugged adventure. It's also the only route on the mountain where you’ll sleep in shared wooden huts rather than tents, providing shelter from the elements and a touch of extra comfort, especially welcome when temperatures drop below freezing. This makes it a great option for those who prefer not to camp, while still wanting the full experience.

The trail begins at Marangu Gate and winds gradually upward through lush rainforest, where you might spot black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy. From here, the scenery transitions to high moorland with otherworldly plants like giant groundsels and lobelias, before giving way to the sparse, stark beauty of the alpine desert zone.

While Marangu is less varied than other routes, ascending and descending on the same trail, it remains a rewarding climb. Its shorter duration (typically five or six days) and straightforward path make it appealing to those short on time or new to high-altitude trekking.

The summit push starts from Kibo Hut in the dead of night, leading you up steep switchbacks to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, and then along the rim to the summit at Uhuru Peak, where the sunrise over Africa from the roof of the continent presents an unforgettable reward.

Ottilie, our Tanzania specialist, says:

“Marangu is a great option for anyone who wants a slightly gentler introduction to Kilimanjaro. The huts make it more comfortable, especially for those not used to camping, and the route itself is a steady, manageable climb. It’s not as wild or varied as some of the other trails, but it’s still an incredible adventure and a fantastic way to reach the summit.”

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Tanzania

Staying at Arumeru River Lodge

You will be met off your flight and driven to Arumeru Lodge outside Arusha, which has views of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy the day resting in the beautiful gardens and refreshing swimming pool. In the evening you will be served an excellent three course dinner before retiring to bed for a good night's sleep before the start of your climb the following day.

Day 2 Marangu Gate to Mandera Hut

After an early breakfast you will be driven to Kilimanjaro National Park and Marangu Gate where you will meet your guide and porters who will accompany you up the mountain.

The ascent then begins through the rain forest which can be quite damp and muddy at times. Be on the look out for wildlife along the way including black & white colobus monkeys. It takes 3-4 hours to reach Mandera Hut which sits at 2700 meters where you will enjoy dinner a good sleep in one of the wooden huts.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Distance: 12 kilometers

Terrain: - Montane Forest

Day 3 Mandera Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 4 Horombo Hut - Acclimatization Day

Day 5 Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 6 Push to the summit

Day 7 Horombo Hut to Marangiu Gate

Day 8 Night flight back home

Ottilie
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Ottilie

Start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure with our Tanzania specialist.

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Duration

8 days

Location

Kilimanjaro Climbs, Tanzania

Price from

$3,837 pp.

Price Includes

  • All guides and porters for the hike
  • Safety briefings
  • Accommodation and meals as listed
  • All park fees and excursions as specified

Price Excludes

  • Single supplements
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Any meals, activities, or excursions not specified as included

Price is based on two people sharing and excluding international flights.

Accommodations as follows:

  • 2 nights at Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha - breakfast included.
  • 1 day room at Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha - lunch included.
  • 5 nights trek to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro using the Marangu Route, staying in huts along the way.
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When to go to Tanzania

Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.

  • During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
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February

The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.

  • Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
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March

March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.

  • Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
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April

April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

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May

During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.

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June

June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.

  • Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
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July

July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.

  • The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
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August

August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.

  • The migration still remains in the north.
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September

Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.

  • The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
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October

Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.

  • The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
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November

November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.

  • Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
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December

Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.

  • Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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