6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Overview

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is Kilimanjaro’s classic and most accessible path, known for its gradual ascent and hut accommodations. This 6-day trek takes hikers through rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak. With its comfortable huts and well-established trail, it’s ideal for those seeking a structured and moderately challenging climb.

Highlights

• Marangu Route, the most classic and accessible route to Kilimanjaro’s summit.

• Diverse habitats: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Hut accommodations along the route for comfort.

• Experienced guides, porters, and full mountain support.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut
Depart Arusha early and drive to Marangu Gate for park registration. Begin trekking through lush rainforest and streams to Mandara Hut, enjoying the first night on the mountain in hut accommodation.

Elevation: 1,860 m → 2,700 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
Trek through montane forest, gradually ascending into heath and moorland zones before reaching Horombo Hut. This section allows for acclimatization while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Spend a full day resting and acclimatizing at Horombo Hut. Optional short hikes around the area help with altitude adjustment and provide stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 3,720 m
Distance: Optional 2–4 km
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours (optional)
Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
Ascend through alpine desert terrain toward Kibo Hut, the base for the summit climb. Enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery and prepare for the midnight ascent.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 4,700 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Begin the midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and witness sunrise from Africa’s highest point. Descend via Kibo to Horombo Hut for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Moorland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Arusha
Descend through heath and rainforest to Marangu Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the Marangu Route trek.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Hut accommodations along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, hut fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Marangu Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha