The Marangu Route, nicknamed the ‘Coca-Cola route’, is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodation. This 6-day version adds a rest and acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, which makes the climb gentler and raises your chances of reaching the summit. You walk up and down the same trail, sleeping in dorm huts, with hot meals served by our cooks.
The extra night at Horombo makes this the sensible way to do Marangu. Huts are shared dorms, and you take the same trail up and down.
Day 0 (before the climb): Arrival in Moshi or Arusha. Airport pick-up, hotel transfer, and a gear check and briefing with your guide. Overnight: hotel.
Day 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Register at Marangu Gate, then walk through lush montane forest, with colobus monkeys often seen in the trees.
Day 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Forest gives way to heath and moorland as Mawenzi’s jagged peak comes into view.
Day 3 – Acclimatisation day at Horombo
Rest day with an optional hike to Zebra Rocks or towards Mawenzi Hut (4,330 m). Climb high, sleep low.
Day 4 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut. Early dinner and rest.
Day 5 – Summit day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Midnight start up the scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) and on to Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then a long descent to Horombo.
Day 6 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Final descent through moorland and forest. Summit certificates are handed out at the gate.
After the climb: continue to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner. Ask us about adding a safari or Zanzibar extension for your departure day.
| Tier | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 1,955 | 1,630 | 1,620 | 1,610 | 1,600 | 1,590 | 1,580 | 1,575 | 1,570 | 1,565 |
| Standard | 2,340 | 1,950 | 1,925 | 1,900 | 1,880 | 1,860 | 1,845 | 1,830 | 1,820 | 1,810 |
Prices are in US dollars per person and include 2026 park fees. Group prices apply when everyone books the same departure together. Park fees and government taxes are set by KINAPA/TANAPA and may change; the price is confirmed at payment.
Budget vs Standard: what’s the difference?
| Budget | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Shared mountain huts | Shared mountain huts, with extra comfort and support |
| Crew | Licensed guide, assistant guide, cook, porters | Larger crew with extra porters and a dedicated waiter |
| Meals | 3 meals a day, tea and coffee | 3 meals a day plus snacks and a wider menu |
| Sleeping gear | Standard mattresses provided in huts | Premium sleeping bag and liner provided |
| Hotel in Moshi | 1 night before the climb (B&B) | 2 nights, before and after the climb (B&B) |
| Comfort extras | Basic | Extras such as a private mess area and hot water |
Both packages include licensed, English-speaking guides, emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter, a first-aid kit and emergency evacuation support.
What’s included (both packages)
What’s not included
Park fee breakdown (per climber, 2026)
| Fee | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee | US$70 × 6 days | US$420 |
| Hut fees | US$60 × 5 nights | US$300 |
| Rescue fee | one-off | US$20 |
| Subtotal | US$740 | |
| VAT (18%) | US$133.20 | |
| Total park fees | US$873.20 |
Guide and porter entrance fees are paid by us and included in the package.
You don’t need technical climbing skills, as it is a walk, not a climb. It is still a demanding multi-day trek at altitude, so good fitness and steady training in the months before help a lot. Difficulty on this itinerary is: Moderate.
Marangu’s huts are shared dorms with bunk beds and mattresses, a communal dining hall, and basic toilets. Please bring a sleeping bag and expect cold nights above Horombo.
No. Many of our climbers are first-timers. We recommend regular hiking, cardio and leg strengthening for at least 8–12 weeks before your trip.
The best months are January–March, June–October, with clear skies and the most stable conditions. Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but April–May and November are the main rains.
Our guides are trained in altitude-sickness management and check your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day. We follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit, and arrange a safe descent if needed.
Yes. Prices are per person, and the more people in your group, the lower the price per person (see the table above). Park fees, crew wages, meals, camping or hut fees and transfers are included.
Tipping is voluntary but expected, and it is a large part of the crew’s income. As a guide, budget about US$250–$400 per climber for a 6–7 days climb and US$300–$450 for 8–9 days, shared across the whole crew. We explain the process in your pre-climb briefing.
A 30% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due before the trek starts. Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure; 50% refund between 30 and 15 days; no refund within 15 days. We accept bank transfer, credit card, or Online Payment
+255 685 808332
info@privateexplorers.com
