Marangu

Your journey to the Marangu Route begins in Moshi town, located at 900 meters (2,950 feet) above sea level. From Moshi, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive to the Marangu Gate, covering a distance of about 70 kilometers (43 miles). The drive leads you through beautiful countryside, banana farms, and villages nestled in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route that offers sleeping huts instead of tents, making it a popular choice for trekkers looking for added comfort during their journey. With a more direct path to the summit and gentle slopes, Marangu is often recommended for beginners — but it’s still a serious climb and a rewarding adventure While the Marangu Route is often seen as “easier” due to its steady slope and hut accommodations, it is actually one of the most challenging in terms of acclimatization because of its faster ascent profile. However, with proper planning and an extra day for acclimatization, it can be a fantastic and rewarding experience.

Marangu approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeastern side. It is the most direct route to the summit and also the only one that uses the same trail for both ascent and descent. The route passes through five ecological zones, including dense rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, before reaching the arctic conditions of the summit. The area around Marangu Village is home to the Chagga people, who have lived in harmony with the mountain for generations. The Chagga are well known for their terraced farming practices and warm hospitality. You’ll see fields of banana trees, avocado, coffee plants, and other tropical fruits growing in the rich volcanic soil.

Farming is the backbone of the community here, and locals rely on bananas, maize, beans, and root vegetables for both food and income. Traditional houses, local shops, and schools line the hilly roads leading up to the Marangu Gate The Marangu Gate sits at an altitude of around 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) — nearly 1,000 meters higher than Moshi. The air is noticeably cooler, and the surroundings become greener and lusher as you ascend. The land here is rich, humid, and fertile — perfect for agriculture and teeming with life.

Once you enter the park, you’ll find yourself immersed in a beautiful rainforest, where large, moss-covered trees tower above the trail. One unique feature of the Marangu Route is the availability of mountain huts at every overnight stop. These shared, dormitory-style huts offer mattresses, dining halls, and solar-powered lighting, providing a more comfortable and sheltered experience — especially during the rainy seasons.