Can You Feel the Call of Adventure and the Great Outdoors?
Design a tour that fits your style. Click to begin
Marangu Route
7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route – Express Trek
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 7 Day Trek
- Kilimanjaro Climb
From - $1900
Route Overview
Climb to the summit of Africa's highest mountain via the iconic Marangu Route — also known as the "Coca-Cola Route." This 7-day express trek is ideal for adventurers looking for a classic Kilimanjaro experience with comfortable hut accommodations and a direct ascent to the summit. Beginning and ending in Arusha, this journey takes you through lush rainforest, alpine meadows, and the barren lunar landscape leading to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Dream Trails Expeditions provides professional guidance, reliable logistics, and lifelong memories on this legendary climb.
This route is perfect for those who prefer the comfort of hut accommodations while experiencing the majesty of Africa's highest peak.
- Route: Marangu Route (Mandara → Horombo → Kibo → Summit → Return via Horombo)
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
- Transport: 4x4 transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
- Guide: Experienced, certified mountain guides and porters
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
- Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania
- Trek through lush rainforest and spot Colobus monkeys
- Explore diverse ecosystems — forest, moorland, and alpine desert
- Conquer Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa
- Rest comfortably in cozy mountain huts with dining facilities
- Capture stunning sunrise views over Mawenzi and the crater rim
- Meet fellow climbers from around the world sharing the same goal
Even though this express itinerary skips the extra acclimatization day, our approach focuses on:
- Steady Ascent Pace: Managed trekking rhythm to minimize altitude-related fatigue.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Emphasis on frequent water breaks and balanced meals.
- Health Monitoring: Daily checks by experienced guides using pulse oximeters.
- Rest and Sleep Management: Early arrival at huts ensures proper rest at each elevation.
🏞️ Peak Trekking Seasons
- January – March & June – October: Peak trekking seasons with mild temperatures and clear views.
🌧️ Green Season
- April – May & November: Green season — quieter trails and lush vegetation, though with higher rainfall.
✅ Included in the Trek
- All airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after trek)
- Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Professional, certified mountain guides and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, rescue fees, and hut fees
- 4x4 transfers to/from Marangu Gate
- Clean drinking water and hot beverages
- All group trekking and cooking equipment
- Pre-trek briefing and support
❌ Excluded from the Trek
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal hiking equipment (sleeping bag, poles, boots)
- Tips and gratuities for guides & porters
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, laundry)
- Add one acclimatization day at Horombo Hut for improved summit success
- Upgrade Arusha hotel to a mid-range or luxury lodge
- Add a professional photographer or videographer for summit documentation
- Combine your trek with a safari in Ngorongoro, Serengeti, or Tarangire
- Choose a scenic helicopter descent after the trek
- Local Expertise: Tanzanian mountain specialists with proven experience
- Comfort & Safety: Reliable logistics, hut accommodation, and experienced support team
- Success-Focused Planning: Optimized trekking pace and altitude management
- Personalized Attention: Full preparation guidance and on-route support
- Responsible Trekking: Ethical porter treatment and eco-friendly practices
- Unforgettable Experience: From rainforest trails to standing atop the Roof of Africa
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us for custom options!
7-Day Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary
01
Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha
Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha | Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
Experience:- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
- Transfer to your lodge in Arusha for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
- Receive a pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.
Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)
02
Day 2 — Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
Route: Arusha → Marangu Gate (1,840 m) → Mandara Hut (2,700 m) | Distance / Time: 8 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Experience:- After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Hike through dense rainforest filled with birdlife, tree ferns, and playful blue monkeys.
- Reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon and take a short acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater.
Overnight: Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
03
Day 3 — Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
Route: Mandara (2,700 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | Distance / Time: 11 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Experience:- Trek gradually through the forest edge into moorland, with striking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Encounter giant groundsels and everlasting flowers along the trail.
- Arrive at Horombo Hut for dinner and rest.
Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
04
Day 4 — Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
Route: Horombo (3,720 m) → Kibo Hut (4,703 m) | Distance / Time: 10 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Experience:- Follow the trail past the Last Water Point, then cross the desolate saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
- The landscape changes dramatically — dry, rocky, and silent except for the wind.
- Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, and have an early dinner before the midnight summit push.
Overnight: Kibo Hut (4,703 m)
05
Day 5 — Summit Day (Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut)
Route: Kibo Hut (4,703 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | Distance / Time: 18 km | 10–14 hours total trekking
Experience:- Wake at midnight and begin your climb under a sky full of stars.
- Ascend slowly along zigzag trails to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the roof of Africa!
- Celebrate your incredible achievement with photos at the summit before descending to Kibo for a short rest, then onward to Horombo Hut for a warm meal and overnight.
Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
06
Day 6 — Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha
Route: Horombo (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,840 m) → Arusha | Distance / Time: 20 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Experience:- Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain.
- Descend gradually through moorland and forest zones, arriving at Marangu Gate by mid-afternoon.
- Receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew.
- Transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.
Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)
07
Day 7 — Departure from Arusha
Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport | Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
Experience:- Have a relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
- Depending on flight time, you may explore Arusha for souvenirs before airport transfer.
- Depart with lasting memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
End of Tour ✨
