6 Days Marangu Route Climb Africa’s Tallest Mountain Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route typically takes around 6 days. The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is one of the most popular and well-established paths to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.

6-Days Marangu Route

The Marangu route is one of the primary routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its relatively well-developed infrastructure compared to other routes.

Overall, the Marangu route is a great option for climbers who prefer a more straightforward and comfortable trek, with less emphasis on camping and more on hut accommodation. However, climbers should still be well-prepared, physically fit, and mentally ready to tackle the challenges of climbing Africa’s highest peak.

The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes due to its moderate difficulty level and the presence of huts for accommodation.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 2 hour), 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, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

  • Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
  • Distance: 8km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: LD

Day 2: Hike 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 groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

  • Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 12km/7.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heathland
  • Meals: BLD

Day 3: Hike 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 the summit climb.

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
  • Distance: 9km/5.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and 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. 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.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

  • 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
  • Meals: BLD

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and 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. 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 Huts.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

  • 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
  • Meals: BLD
  • Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate  —  Arusha

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a 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 meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your to the Arusha from Moshi.

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: B

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your at Arusha for overnight

At the last night of your trekking, we will drop off you at the airport

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: B

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Reviews on TripAdvisor.

Inclusions 5-Days Marangu Route
5 nights’ accommodation
  • A professional guide
  • All transportation – pick up and drop off included
  • Camping equipment ( tent, sleeping bags, mattress, hiking poles, gaters, mess table and chairs)
  • All food breakfast, lunch and dinner all day while your on mountain.
  • Daily drinking water
  • Daily meals
    Mount Kilimanjaro guided trekking
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
    Porterage
  • Pre and post-program accommodation for 2 nights
  • Rescue fees
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
Exclusions 5-Days Marangu Route
  • International flights
  • Internal flight
    Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Tips (from 10 USD per person per day for a porter
  • Tips (from 15 USD per person per day for mountain guide
  • Mountain Equipment's
What to bring 6-Days Marangu Route
  • Clothes.
  • A warm sweater as the nights can be chilly at high altitudes.
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Mountain shoes
    Toilet paper
    Bath towels

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