6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

From Price

$ 1,870 / person

Duration

6 Days

Tour Type

Kilimanjaro Climb

Trip Overview

The 6-day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” offers a well-paced and comfortable journey to the Roof of Africa. With an extra acclimatization day compared to the shorter itinerary, this route greatly improves summit success while allowing trekkers to fully enjoy Kilimanjaro’s changing landscapes. The climb begins in lush montane rainforest alive with birds and colobus monkeys, gradually opening into rolling moorlands and vast alpine desert before reaching the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak.

What makes Marangu truly special is its permanent hut accommodation, providing warm shelters and proper beds each night — a welcome comfort after long trekking days. Guided by experienced mountain professionals and supported by friendly porters, climbers enjoy a safe, organized, and enriching experience. The additional day allows for rest hikes around Horombo Hut, helping the body adjust naturally to altitude while offering spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. From forest trails to glacier-framed sunrise at the summit, the 6-day Marangu Route delivers both adventure and comfort in perfect balance.

Highlights

Improved Acclimatization: The extra day on the mountain allows your body to adjust gradually, increasing comfort and summit success rates.

Scenic Ecological Zones: Trek through rainforest, heathland, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit landscapes in one unforgettable journey.

Comfortable Mountain Huts: Sleep in well-built huts with dining areas and shared facilities — ideal for travelers who prefer shelter over tents.

Iconic Summit Sunrise: Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn and witness golden light sweeping across Africa from its highest point.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1 : Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Elevation: 1,970m to 2,700m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 : Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Elevation: (2,700m) to (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Montane forest transitioning to moorland

Day 3 : Horombo Huts - Acclimatization Day

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

Elevation: Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4 : Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

Elevation: (3,720m) to (4,703m)
Hiking Time: Not specified
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Habitat: Heathland and alpine desert

Day 5 : Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: Kibo Huts (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 7-8 hours descent
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Habitat: Glacial zone

Day 6 : Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: (3,720m) to (1,830m/6,000ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: Not specified
Difficulty: Easy
Habitat: Rainforest

Includes

Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel

Excludes

Alcohol and soft drinks
Sleeping bag
Flights
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending money for souvenirs
Travel insurance

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