6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route—often called the “Coca-Cola Route”—is the most budget-friendly path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the only route that offers overnight stays in permanent mountain huts equipped with solar lighting and simple, comfortable beds.
Huts are shared among climbers, each with sponge mattresses and pillows. Mandara and Kibo Huts offer 60 beds each, while Horombo Hut accommodates up to 120. The lower camps have running water and basic bathroom facilities; Kibo provides simple men’s and women’s latrines.
Climbers from around the world gather in communal dining huts, creating a lively and social atmosphere each evening.
Typically completed in 5 days, the Marangu Route can be extended to 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day is often used to rest at Horombo Hut or take an acclimatization hike toward Mawenzi Peak.
This route is ideal for those seeking comfort and a steady ascent experience.
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
After breakfast, we drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate. Once registration and park formalities are completed, the trek begins through lush rainforest. This section is rich in unique vegetation, and if lucky, you may spot playful primates along the way. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, you can take a short excursion to Maundi Crater for stunning views across the Kenyan plains.
Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) → Horombo Hut (3,700m)
We start early with a steady climb that soon leaves the rainforest behind. The path enters the heath and moorland zone with open landscapes and unique high-altitude flora. After 4–6 hours of trekking, we reach Horombo Hut, where the views are spectacular—Mawenzi and Kibo peaks rise ahead, while the Maasai steppe stretches endlessly below.
Distance: 12.5 km / 7.8 miles
Hiking Time: 6–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut (3,700m) with hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m)
Today is reserved for acclimatization—an essential step to improve your summit chances. After breakfast, we take a 4-hour round trip hike to Zebra Rocks, a striking formation with black-and-white striped patterns. We then return to Horombo Hut for lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the climb ahead.
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700m) → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
A challenging day across alpine desert. The trail first passes the “Last Water Point” before crossing the barren “saddle”—a wide, windswept plateau that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After about 5–6 hours of trekking, we arrive at Kibo Hut. Dinner is served early, followed by rest, as the summit push begins around midnight.
Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,700m)
Summit day! We start just after midnight, climbing slowly past Hans Meyer Cave (5,220m). The final push brings us to Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, just in time for sunrise—a magical reward after the toughest climb of the trek. A final 1–2 hours takes us to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,700m) → Marangu Gate (1,860m)
The final descent retraces the route back through heathland to Mandara Hut for lunch, before continuing through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. After completing park formalities and receiving your well-earned climbing certificate, we transfer you back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory evening.
Distance: 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $1,690 Per Person Sharing
Inclusive & Exclusive
Trekking Includes
- High quality mountain sleeping tents.
- 2 Nights accommodation
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Sleeping Mattress
Trekking Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
