6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

A comfortable and classic route to the summit

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

The 6 day Marangu Route offers a more relaxed and better-acclimatized approach to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a great option for trekkers seeking comfort and a steady pace. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route on the mountain that provides hut accommodation, allowing climbers to sleep in sheltered cabins rather than tents. The extra day compared to the 5-day option is used for acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully.

The route follows a well-established path, passing through lush rainforest, scenic moorland, and the alpine desert before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Although the trail is considered one of the easier routes in terms of terrain, the climb still requires good physical preparation and determination. Trekkers ascend and descend along the same route, enjoying consistent landscapes and a gradual climb. With improved acclimatization and comfortable facilities, the 6-day Marangu Route is ideal for those looking for a balanced, less demanding, and rewarding journey to the roof of Africa.

The only Kilimanjaro route with comfortable hut accommodation instead of camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
Gentle and well-established trail, making it popular for first-time climbers
Scenic ascent through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones
Gradual climb with better acclimatization compared to the 5-day option
Overnight stays in Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts along the route
Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa, via a direct path
Return along the same trail, offering a different perspective of the descent

Includes/Excludes

Professional mountain guides and porters
Park fees and rescue fees
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
All meals during the trek
Drinking water
Transfers to and from the mountain
Accommodation before and after the climb

International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and porters
Personal climbing gear
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. Climbing Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: B, L, D

Mountain Hut: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude (Climbing Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 2720m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Meals: B, L, D

Mountain Hut: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Or Zebra rocks, where you will enjoy seeing the view of Mawenzi peak.

And more explanations on Zebra rocks, then back to the camp for lunch.

Meals: B, L, D

Mountain Hut: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Mountain Hut: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment-Climbing Kilimanjaro.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: B, L, D

Mountain Hut: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: B, L