Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest and the most well established route.
Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation.
The minimum number of days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended in order to enhance acclimatization opportunities.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hut, Hotel, Sleeping Hut
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route, Moshi
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route, Moshi, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut
Our Kilimanjaro climb happened on 1st January, 2025 was an experience of a lifetime. The guides including Gabriel were highly professional and ensured we were comfortable every step of the way. The porters and cooks were fantastic, making sure we had delicious meals and enough rest. Their expertise made the summit possible! 100% recommend!
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Sleeping Hut
Age Range
10-65 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro Nation
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak
The 6-day Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective of Kilimanjaro by approaching the famous mountain from the north. Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident to hike steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike.
The Rongai route’s premier advantage is that it is one of the quietest routes on the mountain, although it becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. The route also descends along the Marangu route, however, on this trip, the intrepid climber will retain a sense of wilderness and adventure by sleeping in tents and not using the A-frame huts of the Marangu route.
Scenically, Rongai is extraordinarily beautiful as it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area, although it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.
I always dreamed of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and the team has been a great partner in fulfilling this dream. I chose the Machame Route because it's a little more challenging but offers a lot of beautiful scenery. The sunsets of Shira and walking through the mist of the Barranco Wall - all in one word, it was a wonderful experience. Guides and porters were always on hand; they handled everything from the pitch of the tent to the cooking of the food perfectly. I'm grateful to this team.
The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak. We will pick you up from your accommodation in Arusha and drive you to Marangu Gate. From there you follow the trail that takes you to the top of the mountain via Mandara, Horombo and Kibo huts.
The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and of moderate intensity. The only portion that is quite demanding is the approach to the summit. However, you also have the option of adding a day for acclimatization at an additional amount if you want to. The advantage of this route is that kiosks selling mineral water bottles, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are available in camp sites throughout the climb.
For more details, please scroll down to the itinerary section.
For those who only have six days to climb Kilimanjaro, this climb through the Machame route is the best choice because of its acclimatization profile.
Compared to the other six day routes, the Machame route exposes the climber to higher elevations quicker (day three) which kickstarts the body's adaptation to altitude. However, this route requires that a person is in good shape to be able to tackle the challenging elevation gains and losses.
In particular, day four combined with day five makes for a very challenging schedule. Day four is a full day of hiking from Barranco to Barafu. Then after dinner and a partial night's sleep, the very long and exciting summit day begins around midnight.
To find out more about day-by-day activities, please see the itinerary.
The 6-day Machame route is the most beautiful route up the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is best suited to adventurous hikers looking for an authentic and rustic experience, as the route offers tented accommodation only, and all your equipment and supplies are brought up with help from a porter. A cook prepares all your meals. However, hikers will be rewarded with a scenic splendour that is not seen on the Marangu route, from late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall.
The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of six days. The added benefit to the six days means you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – time to acclimatize.
This is our most successful and popular hiking route on Mt. Kilimanjaro, mainly as a result of the following two important factors. First, on day 3 of the hike, the topography of this route allows you to climb high and sleep low – as you start from Shira camp (3 847m) hike up to Lava Tower (4 642m) and then down to Barranco camp (3 984m) for overnight. Second, the summit attempt path from Barafu camp has less loose scree (rocks) compared to the summit attempt path from Kibo Hut, making it slightly easier to reach the crater rim.
NB: With small Additional cost we can book for you accommodation before or/and after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Machame Kilimanjaro route is a Zigzag route with a trail going up and down. We will hike high and to the extent possible try to sleep low as it is good for acclimatization.
On the Machame route a challenging point is the Baranco wall. We will take it slow and steady making sure that we pass it in a safe manner. While reaching the Mt. Kilimanjaro summit is a highlight in fact the entire Machame route is excellent.
On the way down from Mt. Kilimanjaro we will descend via the Mweka route. As for accommodation we will be making use of camping where also toilet facilities will be available.
Comparing the Machame route with the other Kili-routes then it is simply a longer and some times steeper. It covers more ground and involves more ups and downs. It wears you out more, takes more energy, but does not require more skill. But, a key advantage is that it offers much better acclimatization - increasing your chance of reaching the summit.
Some people are terribly worried about climbing the Barranco Wall. Don't worry. It's not a cliff face and it's not a climb. It's mostly a very steep path that requires you to use your hands every now and then.
For a detailed itinerary kindly see the itinerary tab. We look forward to providing you with an excellent climb on Africa's highest free standing mountain in the world.
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.