Mandara Hut
Mountain hut
A-frame huts in rainforest, 2,700m
All Kilimanjaro routes
Marangu Route
6 Days Striking Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route
The only hut-to-hut route on Kilimanjaro, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo.
6 days / 5 nights80% summit successModerateFrom $2,000 pp
Route overview
Marangu — the 'Coca-Cola Route' — is the only trail with dormitory huts, bunk beds and mattresses. Adding the Horombo acclimatisation day lifts the success rate well above the standard five-day version and keeps the climb comfortable in wetter months.
- Sleep in huts rather than tents
- Extra acclimatisation day at Horombo (3,720m)
- Zebra Rocks and Mawenzi ridge day hike
- Gentlest gradients on the mountain
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Moshi to Mandara Hut
Gentle rainforest trail from Marangu Gate to the A-frame huts at Mandara.
- Elevation:
- 1,860m → 2,700m
- Distance:
- 8 km · 4–5 hrs
- Overnight:
- Mandara Hut
- 2
Mandara to Horombo Hut
Out of the forest into open moorland with giant lobelia and wide Mawenzi views.
- Elevation:
- 2,700m → 3,720m
- Distance:
- 12 km · 6–7 hrs
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- 3
Acclimatisation at Horombo
Day hike to Zebra Rocks and the Mawenzi ridge, returning to sleep at the same altitude.
- Elevation:
- 3,720m → 4,200m → 3,720m
- Distance:
- 6 km · 4 hrs
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- 4
Horombo to Kibo Hut
Cross the lunar Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to the final hut before the summit.
- Elevation:
- 3,720m → 4,703m
- Distance:
- 10 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Kibo Hut
- 5
Summit day: Gilman's Point and Uhuru Peak
Midnight start on the switchbacks to Gilman's Point, the crater rim and Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo.
- Elevation:
- 4,703m → 5,895m → 3,720m
- Distance:
- 21 km · 12–14 hrs
- Overnight:
- Horombo Hut
- 6
Horombo to Marangu Gate and Moshi
Long descent to the gate, certificates and tipping, then transfer back to Moshi.
- Elevation:
- 3,720m → 1,860m
- Distance:
- 20 km · 5–6 hrs
- Overnight:
- Moshi hotel (own account)
Camps, huts and lodges
Horombo Hut
Mountain hut
Moorland, 3,720m — two nights
Kibo Hut
Stone hut
Summit base, 4,703m
Pricing per person
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 climber | $2,400 |
| 2 climbers | $2,150 |
| 3–4 climbers | $2,000 |
| 5–6 climbers | $1,900 |
| 7+ climbers | $1,820 |
What's included
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping/hut and rescue fees
- KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain plus filtered drinking water
- Quality four-season tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Daily pulse-oximeter health checks and emergency oxygen
- Return transfers between Moshi/Arusha and the park gate
- 18% VAT and government taxes
- Summit certificate at Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and evacuation insurance (compulsory)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag hire
- Tips for the mountain crew (KPAP guideline: ~$250 per climber)
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
Other Kilimanjaro routes
Questions before you commit to the mountain?
Talk to a Kilimanjaro specialist about fitness, gear hire and the route with the best summit odds for you.
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