6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
"Embark on the ultimate adventure with a 6-day Marangu Route climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Unleash your inner explorer as you ascend Africa's highest peak, experiencing breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Our expert guides ensure a safe and unforgettable journey, providing insight into the region's rich flora and fauna. Join us for an extraordinary trek, where every step brings you closer to the summit, and every moment is a memory etched against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro's majestic beauty. Discover the thrill of conquering the Marangu Route, a classic pathway to the Roof of Africa, and let the awe-inspiring vistas leave you with a sense of achievement that lasts a lifetime."
Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.
The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
6 Day Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 0: Pre-Trek Briefing
If you've arranged airport transfers, we'll pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and take you to your Moshi hotel. Arrive at least a day prior to the trek. Today, we'll hold a pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Moshi, review your equipment, and provide any necessary rentals.
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, we drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour). Register and begin the climb. Trek through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Consider a side trip to Maundi Crater for stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the rainforest and ascend through open moorlands to Horombo Hut. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may start feeling the effects of altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike near Mawenzi Peak.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascend past the last watering point, reaching the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation transitions to upper heathland and eventually disappears into the alpine desert. Prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Start the summit climb in the early hours, reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then ascend to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. Descend to Horombo Hut, marveling at the incredible views along the way.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (up) / 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: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, descend through moorland to Mandara Hut and then through lush forest to Marangu gate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast