6-Day Kilimanjaro — Marangu Route
Overview
The Marangu Route is also known as the 'Coca Cola' or 'tourist' route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. Done in 6 days for better acclimatization, with an extra day spent resting at Horombo.
Highlights
Image Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers views of the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Accommodation Options
Mandara Hut - Premium Camp
Mandara Hut - Quality Tents
Mandara Hut - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the rainforest glades and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude. Settle into Horombo Hut (3,720 m), with commanding views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Accommodation Options
Horombo Hut - Premium Camp
Horombo Hut - Quality Tents
Horombo Hut - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Rest Day at Horombo Hut
A rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike to Mawenzi Peak or Zebra Rocks. Enjoy views of Mawenzi peak and learn about the unique geology of Zebra Rocks. Return to camp for lunch and spend the afternoon resting and hydrating — essential for proper acclimatization before continuing higher up the mountain.
Accommodation Options
Horombo Hut - Premium Camp
Horombo Hut - Quality Tents
Horombo Hut - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascend past 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 a barren 'moonscape'. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m) in the alpine desert. Dinner, rest, and final preparation for the summit climb.
Accommodation Options
Kibo Hut - Premium Camp
Kibo Hut - Quality Tents
Kibo Hut - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Summit Night: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, down 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. Continue ascending to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights — it will be very cold until you start descending, so all warm layers are needed. Going slowly 'pole pole' and an optimistic attitude will get you there. From the summit, descend to Kibo for lunch and a rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Accommodation Options
Horombo Hut - Premium Camp
Horombo Hut - Quality Tents
Horombo Hut - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the 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. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu Village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Time for celebration.
What's Included
- Park fees, hut fees & rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Portable flush toilet with toilet tent
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeter
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Post-trek accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by KINAPA and KIATO
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal gear rental
- Laundry services
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