6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is considered one of the easiest routes, providing comfortable hut accommodations and stunning views.
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi or Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meet your guide for a briefing on the climb, equipment check, and final preparations. Enjoy dinner and rest in anticipation of the trek.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Start the day with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,870m). Complete registration formalities and begin your trek through the dense rainforest. The trail gradually ascends, offering sightings of Colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,720m) for dinner and overnight stay in A-frame huts.
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Habitat: Rainforest
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast, trek through the last section of rainforest, entering the moorland zone. The trail offers stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You will pass through heathers and giant groundsels before reaching Horombo Hut (3,720m). Dinner and overnight stay at the hut.
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 12 km
- Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Spend the day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization. Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) to improve altitude adaptation. Return to Horombo Hut for lunch, rest, and further acclimatization. Enjoy the scenic views and prepare for the next day’s trek.
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours (optional hike)
- Distance: 5 km (optional hike)
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Continue your ascent through the alpine desert. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky as you approach Kibo Hut (4,700m). Conserve your energy and stay hydrated. Upon arrival, have an early dinner and rest as the summit attempt begins at midnight.
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Start the final ascent at midnight to reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
- Hiking time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: 22 km
- Habitat: Arctic
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, descend through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest
Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation before and after the trek
- Park fees
- Hut accommodations
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional guides, porters, and cook
- Rescue fees
Excludes:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses