Marangu Route

Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro’s Classic Coca-Cola Trail Explained

If you’re dreaming of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro but prefer a roof over your head and a mattress under your back, the Marangu Route might be calling your name. Nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” for its relative comfort and popularity, it’s the only trail with hut accommodations, making it a go-to for first-time trekkers looking for a more “civilized” climb.

But before you grab your boots and a bottle of Coke, let’s dive into what makes the Marangu Route so unique and whether it’s the right choice for your Kilimanjaro adventure.

What is the Marangu Route?

The Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trail, approaching the summit from the southeast. It’s often chosen for its simple logistics, shorter duration, and the hut-to-hut trekking style, something no other route offers.

But don’t let its reputation fool you, shorter doesn’t always mean easier. The quicker ascent leaves less time for acclimatization, leading to lower summit success rates compared to longer trails like Lemosho or Northern Circuit.

Hut Life: The Only Route with Roofed Lodging

One of Marangu’s biggest appeals is that it offers sleeping huts at each stop, no tents required!

• 🛏️ Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts

• 🧼 Shared bathrooms and basic bunk beds

• 🍛 Hot meals served in dining huts

• ❄️ No heating or electricity, so still pack warm!

This setup makes Marangu ideal for:

• Trekkers are uncomfortable with tents

• Treks during the rainy season

• Budget travelers wanting fewer gear rentals

Is the Marangu Route Easy?

Well… yes and no.

Marangu is physically easier due to gentle slopes and better footing (no scrambling like Barranco Wall). But because it’s shorter, your body has less time to acclimatize and that’s where the challenge kicks in.

• 5-day version: ~50% summit success rate

• 6-day version: 65–70% success rate

• Other longer routes: ~85–95% success