CONQUERING KILIMANJARO’S HEIGHTS ON THE MARANGU ROUTE
August 3 - August 9
KES83,000The Classic Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Experience
Mt. Kilimanjaro, standing majestically in Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. Its snow-capped summit, Uhuru Peak, rises to an impressive 5,895M ASL. The Marangu Route Kilimanjaro, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular and accessible path to the summit, offering comfortable hut accommodations instead of camping. This classic route provides a unique opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, while enjoying the convenience of established mountain huts along the way.
Why Choose the Marangu Route for Your Kilimanjaro Adventure
The Marangu Route stands as the most beginner-friendly option for climbing Kilimanjaro, featuring well-maintained trails and comfortable sleeping huts at each camp. Unlike other routes that require camping, the Marangu Route provides dormitory-style accommodations with beds, making it ideal for climbers who prefer not to sleep in tents. This route offers excellent value for money while maintaining high safety standards and providing optimal acclimatization opportunities through its gradual ascent profile.
Comfortable Hut Accommodations and Daily Routine
Our Marangu Route Kilimanjaro expedition features comfortable hut accommodations at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts, each equipped with dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and basic amenities. The daily routine follows a structured schedule with breakfast served from 7:30 am to 8:00 am, midday lunch breaks, and dinner at 7:00 pm. On summit morning, climbers receive tea and biscuits at 11:00 pm before beginning the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. The relaxed hiking pace includes hourly breaks for photography, scenery appreciation, and team bonding.
Complete 7-Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Moshi – Drive Travel from Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania, with overnight accommodation at Keys Hotel on a half-board basis.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts – 8KM (4-5 Hours) Begin at Marangu Gate (1,860m) with gear checks and briefings before hiking through lush rainforest to Mandara Huts (2,700m). Enjoy packed lunch en route and explore the nearby Maundi Crater.
Day 3: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts – 12KM (6-8 Hours) Ascend through moorland landscapes to Horombo Huts (3,720m), experiencing dramatic changes in vegetation and climate. Lunch is served halfway through the hike.
Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts – 10KM (6-8 Hours) Trek across the alpine desert to Kibo Huts (4,703m), the base camp for summit attempts. This acclimatization day prepares climbers for the final ascent.
Summit Day 5- Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts Begin the midnight summit attempt, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise before descending to Horombo Huts for overnight rest.
Day 6: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate – 18KM (5-7 Hours) Complete the final descent through tropical rainforest to Marangu Gate, where climbers receive summit certificates.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate Hike from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. Final briefing with the crew before heading to the hotel. Accommodation on Half Board basis.
Day 8: Moshi to Nairobi via Namanga Border Drive back to Nairobi via the Namanga border.
Comprehensive Package Inclusions and Mountain Dining
At Cushy Adventures, we provide complete support for your Marangu Route Kilimanjaro expedition. Our package includes roundtrip transportation from Nairobi to Moshi, expert mountain guides, porters, and experienced chefs. All park fees, hut accommodations, and three-course meals featuring fresh ingredients are included. Mountain dining includes vegetables, fruits, salads, desserts, soups, and beverages including herbal teas, all prepared by experienced cooks familiar with international tastes who can accommodate most dietary preferences.
Package Includes:
- Roundtrip transportation from Nairobi to Moshi, Tanzania
- 3-course meals provided daily during the mountain expedition
- Accommodation on Half Board basis for Day 1 and Day 7 in hotel
- Hut accommodation (shared dormitory style)
- Park entrance fees and hut fees
- Expert guides, porters, and experienced mountain chef
- All beverages and basic dining equipment provided
Package Excludes:
- Tips for cooks and porters
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
Essential Gear and Preparation for Success
Successful completion of the Marangu Route requires proper equipment preparation. Our comprehensive packing checklist ensures climbers have everything needed for varying mountain conditions. Key essentials include warm sleeping bags, waterproof hiking boots, layered clothing systems, trekking poles, headlamps, and proper sun protection. Porter weight limits are strictly maintained at 15kg per duffle bag, while climbers carry personal day packs with essential items.
Complete Packing Checklist:
Head and Hand Protection:
- Brimmed hat for sun protection
- Knit hat for warmth
- Balaclava, scarf or buff for face coverage (optional)
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Thin, windproof gloves
Baggage and Sleeping:
- Four-season sleeping bag (warm)
- Sleeping mats (usually provided)
- Duffle bag or holdall, 50-90L for porters to carry
- Waterproof day pack with rain cover, 30-35L for personal gear
- Kit storage bag for items left at hotel
Footwear:
- Two pairs waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
- Gym shoes or sandals for camp use (optional)
- Five pairs hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- Thick wool socks for cold nights (optional)
- Gaiters and hand/foot warmers (optional)
Technical Clothing:
- Three long sleeve shirts (moisture-wicking fabric)
- One short sleeve shirt (moisture-wicking fabric)
- Fleece top for evenings at camp
- Soft jacket or softshell
- Hardshell waterproof jacket with hood
- Down jacket or insulated jacket
- Thermal base layer and long johns (moisture-wicking)
- Sport bras for women (3)
- Lightweight poncho
- Waterproof pants (breathable with side zipper)
- Two hiking pants
- Fleece pants for camp evenings
- Shorts (optional)
- Moisture-wicking underwear
Accessories:
- Sunglasses with UV filter or ski goggles
- Two water bottles (1 liter each) or water bladder (3 liters)
- Pee bottle (1.5 liter) to avoid leaving hut at night (optional)
- Two collapsible trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags for gear organization
- Games, cards, whistle, pen
Hygiene and Health:
- Toilet paper, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Wash cloth, soap, quick-dry travel towel
- Personal prescriptions
- Sunscreen (Factor 30+) and insect repellent
- Lip balm and first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Lightweight, high-calorie snacks (optional)
- Electrolytes powder or tablets (optional)
- Anti-malaria tablets
- Pain killers (Ibuprofen and Paracetamol)
- Diamox (acetazolamide) if desired
- Zinc oxide tape and small scissors
- Blister pads and throat lozenges
- Loperamide/Immodium tablets
- Dioralyte sachets or rehydration packs
Electronics (Optional):
- Camera with extra batteries
- Portable solar chargers and power banks
- Unlocked mobile phone
- Amazon Kindle or tablet
- Device with alarm
Essential Paperwork:
- Valid ID/Passport/Temporary pass (EA Citizens)
- Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever required)
- Debit/Credit card (for emergencies only)
- Travel insurance documents (highly recommended)
- Cash for personal items and tips
- Emergency contact information
Important Packing Notes: Porter weight limit is strictly enforced at 15kg (35 pounds) per duffle bag, while climbers carry their own day packs with essential items. Avoid overpacking and prioritize essential items. Some first aid supplies will be available from our experienced guides during the expedition.