Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing – 6 Days
Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular and oldest routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a favorite for climbers seeking more comfort. Despite its reputation as an “easier” route, the Marangu Route still requires a good level of physical fitness and mental endurance. This 6-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day, greatly improving the chances of reaching the summit.
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- In the evening, you will meet with your mountain guide for a detailed briefing on the climb and final gear checks.
- Overnight stay at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
- Elevation: 1,870m to 2,720m (6,135ft to 8,923ft)
- Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- After breakfast, we drive to Marangu Gate for registration. The hike begins through the dense rainforest, where you may spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys.
- The trail leads to Mandara Hut, where you will have dinner and stay overnight in the comfortable wooden huts.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 2,720m to 3,720m (8,923ft to 12,205ft)
- Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Today’s hike takes you out of the rainforest and into the heather and moorland zone. As you ascend, the views become more expansive, with stunning sights of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- You will arrive at Horombo Hut in the late afternoon, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Hiking Time: Optional short hike to Zebra Rocks (1.5–2 hours)
- Habitat: Moorland
- This day is dedicated to acclimatization to improve your chances of reaching the summit. You can opt for a short hike to Zebra Rocks (about 3,980m), which offers great views and helps your body adjust to the altitude.
- Return to Horombo Hut for a second night.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m (12,205ft to 15,420ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- The trek continues through the alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and stunning views of the mountain’s peaks. The trail leads to Kibo Hut, located at the base of the final summit cone.
- You will have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (15,420ft to 19,341ft) then down to 3,720m (12,205ft)
- Hiking Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
- Around midnight, we begin the most challenging part of the climb. The trail ascends steeply through scree and switchbacks to reach Gilman’s Point at 5,685m (18,652ft), on the crater rim.
- From here, it’s a gradual ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, we begin the descent to Kibo Hut for a short break and then continue down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Drive back to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m (12,205ft to 6,135ft)
- Hiking Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
- The final leg of the trek descends through the moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. Upon arrival at the gate, you will receive your summit certificates.
- Afterward, we drive back to Moshi, where you can relax and reflect on your achievement.
Day 8: Departure
- Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or continue with optional safari or Zanzibar beach holiday extensions.
Includes
- Airport transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport and your hotel in Moshi.
- Transfers to and from Marangu Gate.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and government taxes.
- Accommodation in mountain huts along the Marangu Route (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts).
- Services of experienced mountain guides, porters, and cook.
- Full-board meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water and hot drinks on the mountain.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.
- Wages for the guides, porters, and cook.
Excludes
- Flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Extra meals and drinks in hotels.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The Marangu Route can be climbed year-round, but the best months are from January to mid-March and June to October, when the weather is typically dry.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. While the Marangu Route is considered one of the “easier” routes, summiting Kilimanjaro requires good physical fitness and determination.
- Success Rate: The 6-day itinerary with the extra acclimatization day increases the success rate for reaching the summit.