Tanzania — Moshi
Ascend Tanzania's iconic stratovolcano on the Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. This 72km, 5-6 day path, known for its accessibility, winds through diverse ecosystems from lush rainforest to stark alpine desert. While challenging, it requires no technical skill, offering a rewarding high-altitude mountaineering experience to the "Roof of Africa."
Distance: 72.0 km
Elevation Gain: 4100 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 5-6 days
Mount Kilimanjaro is not merely a mountain; it is a colossal stratovolcano that stands as the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest point on the African continent. Rising 5,895 metres above the Tanzanian plains, the "Roof of Africa" offers one of the most accessible high-altitude mountaineering experiences on Earth. The Marangu Route, affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the oldest and most established path to the summit. It holds a unique distinction as the only route on the mountain that provides permanent hut accommodation, offering a degree of comfort and shelter from the elements that other camping-based routes cannot match. This 72-kilometre journey is a profound traverse through five distinct ecological zones, from lush tropical rainforests to the stark, frozen beauty of the arctic summit.
The Marangu Route is often perceived as the "easiest" path to Uhuru Peak due to its gradual slope and the presence of sleeping huts. However, this reputation can be deceptive. While the gradient is indeed more manageable than the steep scrambles of the Umbwe or Machame routes, the Marangu Route has a lower success rate statistically, primarily because many trekkers attempt to complete it in just five days, failing to allow their bodies sufficient time to acclimatise to the thinning air. When approached with a six-day itinerary, including a vital acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, the Marangu Route becomes a majestic and rewarding pilgrimage to the sky.
The journey begins at the Marangu Gate (1,860 m), where the air is thick with the humidity of the montane rainforest. As you ascend, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The dense canopy of the forest gives way to the giant lobelias and groundsels of the moorland zone. Higher still, the vegetation thins into the alpine desert—a vast, lunar-like landscape of volcanic scree and silence. Finally, the trek culminates in the arctic zone, where glaciers cling to the crater rim and the oxygen levels are half of those at sea level. The final push to the summit is a test of mental fortitude and physical endurance, typically undertaken in the dark of night to reach Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak as the sun rises over the vast expanse of East Africa.
Unlike other routes that require a full camping crew to pitch tents each evening, the Marangu Route’s hut system provides a communal atmosphere. Trekkers from around the world gather in the dining halls of Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo, sharing stories and encouragement. This social aspect, combined with the relative luxury of a mattress and a roof, makes the Marangu Route a classic choice for those seeking the Kilimanjaro experience without the rigours of wilderness camping. However, the challenge remains immense; the mountain demands respect, careful preparation, and a "pole pole" (slowly, slowly) approach to ensure a safe and successful summit.
The name "Kilimanjaro" itself is shrouded in mystery, with various interpretations from local languages. In Swahili, it is often thought to mean "Mountain of Greatness" or "Mountain of Whiteness," referring to its iconic snow-capped peak. For the local Chagga people who inhabit the lower slopes, the mountain is a sacred entity, a source of water, and a central pillar of their cultural identity. Their ancestors have lived in the shadow of the volcano for centuries, developing sophisticated irrigation systems and coffee plantations that still thrive today.
The history of Kilimanjaro’s exploration is a tale of colonial ambition and local expertise. The first recorded attempt by a European was in 1861 by Baron Carl Claus von der Decken, but it wasn't until 1889 that the summit was finally reached. Hans Meyer, a German geographer, and Ludwig Purtscheller, an Austrian mountaineer, achieved the first ascent of Uhuru Peak. Crucially, they were guided by Yohani Kinyala Lauwo, a local man from Marangu who reportedly lived to be 125 years old. Lauwo’s contribution is a testament to the indispensable role that local guides have played since the very beginning of Kilimanjaro trekking.
The Marangu Route was the original commercial path, used by early explorers and the first waves of tourists in the mid-20th century. It was the route that established the infrastructure of the mountain, including the construction of the huts that still stand today (though they have been modernised over the decades). In 1973, Kilimanjaro National Park was established, and in 1987, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognising its outstanding natural beauty and its role as a critical habitat for numerous endangered species. Today, the mountain stands as a symbol of Tanzanian national pride and a global icon of adventure.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
Kilimanjaro’s proximity to the equator means it does not experience traditional four-season weather. Instead, the climate is dictated by wet and dry seasons. Choosing the right window is critical for both safety and the likelihood of reaching the summit.
The Dry Seasons (Best Time to Trek):
The Wet Seasons (Challenging Conditions):
Regardless of the season, weather on Kilimanjaro is notoriously unpredictable. You can experience four seasons in a single day. In the rainforest, temperatures can be a humid 25°C, while at Kibo Hut and the summit, they can plummet to -15°C or -20°C with wind chill. Proper layering is the only way to manage these extremes.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut (Acclimatisation Day)
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Important Notes:
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires significant logistical coordination. Unlike many independent treks, Tanzanian law mandates that all climbers must be accompanied by a licensed guide. This means you must book your trek through a registered tour operator. When choosing an operator, prioritise those who are members of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), which ensures fair wages and ethical treatment of the mountain crew.
Physical preparation should begin at least three to four months in advance. Focus on cardiovascular endurance (hiking, running, cycling) and leg strength. Most importantly, spend time hiking in the boots you intend to wear on the mountain to avoid blisters. Mental preparation is equally important; the summit night is a test of grit, and being prepared for discomfort is part of the process.
Moshi is the primary base for Kilimanjaro treks. It is a vibrant town with a range of accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels. Most operators include airport transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and pre-trek briefings in Moshi as part of their package.
The Marangu Route is unique for its hut system, which provides a more structured and sheltered environment than the tents used on other routes. These huts are managed by the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA).
Hut Facilities:
What Huts Don't Provide:
Booking Requirements:
Access to Kilimanjaro is strictly regulated by Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA). You cannot simply show up and hike; you must be part of an organised group with a licensed guide. The "permit" is essentially the payment of various park fees, which are almost always handled by your tour operator and included in your total trip cost.
Breakdown of Fees (Subject to change by KINAPA):
Important Considerations:
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Tanzania offers some of the world's most iconic travel experiences. Many trekkers choose to combine their climb with other adventures:
Altitude Sickness (AMS): The greatest risk on Kilimanjaro is Acute Mountain Sickness. Because the Marangu Route ascends relatively quickly, AMS is common. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. The key to prevention is "pole pole" (walking slowly), drinking 3–4 litres of water daily, and choosing the 6-day itinerary for better acclimatisation. If symptoms become severe, the only cure is immediate descent.
HAPE and HACE: High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (fluid in the lungs) and High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (swelling of the brain) are life-threatening conditions. Your guides are trained to monitor your oxygen saturation levels and heart rate daily using a pulse oximeter. They will look for signs of confusion, extreme breathlessness at rest, or loss of coordination. If these occur, emergency evacuation is mandatory.
Hypothermia: On summit night, temperatures can be lethal if you are not properly dressed. Wet clothing (from sweat or rain) increases the risk. Ensure you have high-quality moisture-wicking base layers and a windproof outer shell. If you feel yourself becoming excessively cold or shivering uncontrollably, inform your guide immediately.
The "Scree" Descent: The descent from the summit to Kibo Hut is on loose volcanic scree. It is very easy to slip or twist an ankle. Use trekking poles and follow your guide’s instructions on "scree skiing" (sliding down on your heels) to protect your joints.
Emergency Evacuation: In the event of a serious medical issue, porters will use a "Kilimanjaro stretcher" (a one-wheeled metal gurney) to transport you down to a point where a vehicle or helicopter can reach you. Ensure your insurance covers these costs.
Maundi Crater: Located just a 15-minute walk from Mandara Hut, this small volcanic vent offers the first real panoramic views of the trek. On a clear day, you can see across the border into Kenya and view Lake Jipe and Lake Chala. It is a perfect short excursion on the afternoon of Day 1 to help with acclimatisation.
Zebra Rocks: These striking geological formations are found at approximately 4,000 metres, usually visited during the acclimatisation hike from Horombo Hut. The rocks feature distinct black and white vertical stripes, caused by mineral-rich water (containing calcium and carbon) flowing over the volcanic rock and reacting with the air. They are a favourite spot for photography.
The Saddle: This is the high-altitude plateau that connects the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. It is a vast, eerie landscape that feels like walking on the moon. The lack of vegetation and the sheer scale of the surrounding peaks make it one of the most atmospheric parts of the Marangu Route. It is also a prime location to see the "High Altitude Desert" ecological zone in its purest form.
Gilman’s Point: Located at 5,685 metres, this is the point where the Marangu Route reaches the crater rim. For many, reaching Gilman’s Point is a significant achievement in itself, and it is the point at which you are officially recognised as having "climbed Kilimanjaro" with a green certificate, even if you do not continue to the true summit at Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro is a fragile ecosystem under pressure from high volumes of trekkers. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the mountain remains pristine for future generations. The "Leave No Trace" principles are strictly enforced by the National Park authorities.
Your responsibility as a trekker:
By following these guidelines, you help preserve the unique biodiversity of Kilimanjaro and respect the sacred nature of the mountain for the local people.
