The Marangu (Coca-Cola) route is the most popular route up Kilimanjaro, hence the name. It is a busy route through the rainforest of Marangu village, into the heather and moorland, then into the alpine saddle desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, and up to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point, which only half of all trekkers reach. It is a relatively smooth trail, winding through beautiful scenery, which changes considerably each day. The 5-day route is physically challenging for most people, as the acclimatization time is short and the overnight hike to the top requires mental and physical strength. The trail from the highest hut to the summit deviates into steeper and rockier terrain and is difficult for most people.
Accommodation is in A-style huts on this route, except Kibo Hut, which is a stone building with separate rooms to accommodate climbers. All sleeping huts have foam mattresses and pillows on wooden bunk beds, and all eating huts have benches and tables for meals. All huts except Kibo have running water and all have toilets.