6 Days Marangu Route
Marangu (“Coca Cola”) Route ** Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route. However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi Arrival and preparation for the climb.
- Arrival: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
- Briefing: Meet with the guide for a detailed briefing and gear check.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (bed and breakfast).
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,870 m) to Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate for registration.
- Trek through lush rainforest with chances to see colobus monkeys and birdlife.
- Arrive at Mandara Hut for the night. Optional short hike to Maundi Crater for views of Mawenzi Peak and Northern Tanzania.
- Overnight: Mandara Hut.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,720 m) to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
- Distance: 12 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Trek through changing landscapes from rainforest to open moorland.
- Enjoy views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the trail.
- Reach Horombo Hut, where you’ll rest and acclimatize.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Acclimatization Day
- Optional hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) to aid acclimatization.
- Distance: 5 km (round trip)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Return to Horombo Hut for rest.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Ascend through the “Saddle,” a barren expanse between Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Arrive at Kibo Hut for early dinner and rest.
- Prepare for the summit attempt, starting around midnight.
- Overnight: Kibo Hut.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 18 km (up and down)
- Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic, alpine desert
Summit attempt begins at midnight.
- Trek via Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) to Stella Point (5,739 m) and finally Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
- Take celebratory photos and descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, followed by a return to Horombo Hut.
- Overnight: Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Transfer to Moshi
- Distance: 20 km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, rainforest
Descend through lush forest to Marangu Gate.
- Receive your summit certificate at the gate.
- Transfer back to Moshi for rest and celebration.
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.
Day 8: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure or optional extensions (e.g., safari or Zanzibar beach holiday).
Whats Included
- Hotel accommodation in Moshi (2 nights)
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to/from Marangu Gate
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Hut accommodation
- Experienced mountain guide(s)
- Porters and cook
- Portable toilet
- Dining tent and camping equipment
- Safety equipment (first aid kit, oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter)
- Summit certificate
Whats Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, clothing)
- Tips for the crew (guides, porters, cooks)
- Snacks and beverages
- Laundry services
- Optional add-ons (extra nights, safaris, Zanzibar trips)
- Medical services and evacuation costs beyond park fees
6 Days Marangu Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
