Marangu Route – 5 Days

Overview

The shortest, most direct way to the summit — the “Coca-Cola Route”, with comfortable sleeping huts along the way.

Highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

   After the briefing at the gate you walk through the rainforest, spotting eucalyptus trees, birds and colobus monkeys. An optional side trip to Maundi Crater offers views over northern Tanzania and Kenya.

   1,860 m → 2,700 m8 km3–4 hoursMontane forestOvernight: Mandara Hut

2. Day 2Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

   Climb through open moorland with views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, among giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the altitude.

   2,700 m → 3,700 m12 km5–6 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Horombo Hut

3. Day 3Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

   Pass the last water point and cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The vegetation turns from upper moorland to a moonscape. Rest and prepare for the summit push.

   3,700 m → 4,700 m9 km5–6 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Kibo Hut

4. Day 4Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

   A pre-dawn summit attempt up steep scree and snow to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Horombo for lunch and rest.

   4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,700 m6 km up / 15 km down6–8 hours upAlpine desertOvernight: Horombo Hut

5. Day 5Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

   Descend through the moorland to Mandara Hut and on through the forest to the gate — lower down it may be wet and muddy. Transfer to your hotel.

   3,700 m → 1,700 m20 km4–5 hoursForest

Route map

KiboMawenzi 5,149 mAlpine desert⚑Marangu Gate · 1,860 m1Mandara Hut · 2,720 m2, 4Horombo Hut · 3,720 m3Kibo Hut · 4,720 mGilman's Point · 5,685 mStella Point · 5,756 m★Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m5 km

1. ⚑Marangu Gate · 1,860 m
2. 1Mandara Hut · 2,720 m
3. 2, 4Horombo Hut · 3,720 m
4. 3Kibo Hut · 4,720 m
5. ★Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m

Elevation profile

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