6 Days Marangu Route
Duration
5 Days
Max People
10
Tour Type
Climbing
Kilimanjaro
The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro trail with shared sleeping huts. Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it offers soft beds, dining huts, and basic bathrooms. This route is popular, comfortable, and ideal for beginners. The 6-day version adds an extra acclimatisation day, increasing your chance of reaching the summit while enjoying a relaxed pace.
- Only the Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodation and dining shelters.
- Great for beginners with gentle trails and comfortable night stays.
- 6-day version allows better acclimatisation and summit success.
- Enjoy social meals with climbers from around the world.
- Bathrooms and running water are available at lower elevation huts.
- Beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo on the way up.
Arrival Day: Welcome to Tanzania
After landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be greeted and driven to your hotel in Moshi. You’ll meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing, equipment check, and any last-minute gear rentals. Use this day to rest and get excited about your upcoming trek to the roof of Africa.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
We start with a drive to Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins with a peaceful walk through the rainforest. You may spot birds, monkeys, and tall trees. A short side trip to Maundi Crater is possible. After about 3–4 hours, we reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll sleep in shared huts with beds.
- Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
- Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
We leave the forest and enter open moorland. The trail climbs slowly with wide views of the mountain and distant peaks. Giant plants like lobelias and senecios line the path. After 5–6 hours of hiking, we reach Horombo Hut, where you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
- Elevation: 2,700m to 3,700m
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
This is a rest day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You can relax at Horombo Hut or take a short hike to Zebra Rocks. This day helps improve your chances of reaching the summit safely and comfortably. Meals and rest are enjoyed back at the hut.
- Elevation: 3,700m (no gain)
- Distance: Optional hike
- Time: Flexible
- Habitat: Heathland
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We continue up through dry alpine desert, passing the last water source. The trail crosses a wide, empty stretch known as “The Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. After 5–6 hours, we arrive at Kibo Hut. You’ll have an early dinner and go to bed early to prepare for the summit push.
- Elevation: 3,700m to 4,700m
- Distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi
- Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
At midnight, we begin the climb to the summit. The path is steep and filled with loose rock. After 6–8 hours, we reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After a short celebration and photos, we descend to Kibo for lunch, then continue to Horombo Hut for a rest.
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, down to 3,700m
- Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down
- Time: 6–8 hours up / 5–6 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate & Departure
We hike down through moorland and rainforest to Mandara Hut, then continue to Marangu Gate. The walk is long but easy. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate. Our vehicle will take you back to Moshi for rest or drop-off at the airport if you’re flying out.
- Elevation: 3,700m to 1,700m
- Distance: 20 km / 12.5 mi
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Purified drinking water
- Professional guides and cooks
- Four-season sleeping tents (twin-sharing)
- Mess tent with chairs and a table
- Park fees and camping fees
- Sleeping mattress
- All meals during the trek
- Rescue and conservation fees
- Emergency oxygen
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks
- Transfers to/from the mountain
- VAT (18% Tanzanian Government Tax)
- Large, healthy meal portions
- Hotel stay (available as an add-on)
- Tanzania visa
- Drinks like beer and soda
- Online payment surcharge (5%)
- Laundry, calls, or personal items
- Airport transfers (add-on option)
- Tips for the crew
- Flights (international/domestic)
- Meals not shown in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Rental gear (boots, clothes, bags)
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