6 Days – Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Overview
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a comfortable choice for climbers.
This 6-day itinerary provides an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, increasing your chances of successfully reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m). The route ascends and descends along the same path, offering scenic views of lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the snow-capped summit.
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a full briefing, gear inspection, and final preparation for your climb.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1,970m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and meet your mountain crew. Begin trekking through lush montane rainforest, filled with birdlife and the chance to spot colobus monkeys. The trail gradually climbs to Mandara Hut, located in a forest clearing.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Leave the forest and enter the heath and moorland zone, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The trail passes through open terrain, with giant lobelias and groundsels dotting the landscape.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 12 km
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization, which greatly improves your chances of summit success. You can take a short hike to Mawenzi Ridge (4,400m), offering superb views and a good opportunity to adjust to the altitude.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Continue ascending past the “Last Water Point” before crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks — a vast alpine desert. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, and have an early dinner before your midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Wake around midnight and begin your summit push. The trail ascends steeply to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your incredible achievement, descend to Kibo for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Trekking Time: 10–14 hours total
Distance: 16 km
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate (1,970m) – Moshi
Descend steadily through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 20 km
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Price Included
Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
All park fees, hut fees & rescue fees
Professional mountain guides, porters & cook
3 meals per day on the mountain
Drinking water & hot beverages
Hut accommodation during the trek
Price Excluded
International flights & visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, etc.)
Tips for guides and porters
Extra meals & drinks in Moshi
Tour Highlights
Classic and well-maintained Kilimanjaro route
Comfortable hut accommodation throughout
Extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut
Crater Rim summit via Gilman’s Point
Stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks
High summit success rate with professional guides