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- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Good
- success rate: high
6 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The 6-day Marangu Route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, perfect for climbers seeking a comfortable yet challenging ascent with hut accommodations and gradual acclimatization. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only trail offering dorm-style sleeping huts, reducing exposure to the elements while maintaining Kilimanjaro’s scenic splendor. Starting from the Marangu Gate, climbers ascend through lush rainforests, alpine moorlands, and lunar landscapes to reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters. This route includes acclimatization days, enhances success rates, and is ideal for those looking to summit Kilimanjaro in a moderate timeframe.
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrival (Pre-trek Briefing)
We recommend all trekkers to organize their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airpot. Then If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Arrive at least a day before your trek to attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We will review your gear and provide any necessary equipment rentals
Day 1
Arrival
- Arrival: Pre-trek Briefing
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Day 1
Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (Marangu gate), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Day 1
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accomodation: Huts
- Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
Day 1
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Accomodation: Huts
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 0km/0mi
- Hiking Time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Accomodation: Huts
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Day 1
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Huts
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Huts
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Hotel
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 1
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Inclusions and Exclusion
The price includes:-
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Meals
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
The price Excludes:-
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Price per person Sharing
Solo
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7+ pax
USD 2051
USD 1921
USD 1899
USD 1878
USD 1861
USD 1858
USD 1856
SOLO
2 PAX
3 PAX
4 PAX
5 PAX
6 PAX
7 PAX +
USD 2051
USD 1921
USD 1899
USD 1878
USD 1861
USD 1858
USD 1856
Facts to know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,340-foot (5,895-meter) mountain, has three peaks and popular trekking routes. Climbers traverse diverse climate zones over 6–9 days, depending on the route. The first successful ascent was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, also requiring an average fitness level.
Trekking Distance
Long Route 98 KM | Short Route 62 KM
Kilimanjaro Three Peaks
Kibo | Mawenzi | Shira
Climate Zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
5-9 days depend on Routes
The 6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is a popular trekking itinerary to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only route with shared hut accommodations, offering climbers a unique blend of natural beauty and comfort. Over six days, trekkers acclimate, passing through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts before attempting the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters.
Yes, the Marangu Route is a favorable choice for beginners due to its gradual, well-established paths, offering a slightly easier Kilimanjaro climb compared to other routes. Over six days, climbers enjoy extra acclimatization time and the relative comfort of hut accommodations. However, this route should not be underestimated, as altitude sickness can still be a risk. Beginners should ensure adequate preparation, physical fitness, and acclimatization guidance.
The best times to hike Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route are during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer milder weather, clearer skies, and lower rainfall, ideal for visibility and a more comfortable trekking experience. Avoiding the rainy seasons (April-May and November) can enhance the overall experience, making these dry months the most recommended for summiting Kilimanjaro.
The 6 Days Marangu Route boasts distinct highlights, including traversing Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystems, staying in cozy A-frame huts, and witnessing stunning views from Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak. The Mandara and Horombo Huts offer scenic rest stops, while the final summit push provides breathtaking sunrise views over Tanzania. The gradual ascent and captivating landscapes make this route a memorable experience.
Packing essentials for the 6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route include layered clothing for temperature changes, sturdy hiking boots, a quality sleeping bag, a headlamp, trekking poles, and essential altitude medications. Don’t forget sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) and high-energy snacks to sustain energy. Having the right gear ensures safety and comfort throughout the trek, from rainforest to summit.
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