6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Marangu Route

A Scenic and Rewarding Journey for Climbing Kilimanjaro [6-Day Marangu Route]

Embarking on Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola route,” is a popular and efficient option for climbing Kilimanjaro. This well-trodden path is unique for its gradual ascent and the convenience of permanent sleep huts at each campsite, which provide a more comfortable experience compared to other routes.

Spanning to 6 days, Marangu Route takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, heathlands, and alpine deserts, leading to the Uhuru Peak summit at 5,895 meters. The route’s shorter duration, combined with its well-maintained facilities, makes it a favored choice for those seeking a less strenuous yet rewarding climb on Africa’s highest mountain.

INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Your head guide will then conduct a thorough briefing, perform a gear check, and assist with any equipment rental needs to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Climbing Kilimanjaro adventure.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara hut

Your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Marangu village, leading to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining your permits, you’ll embark on a trek through lush rainforests, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. Be prepared for potentially slippery trails; gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended.

Habitat: Montane Forest

[Elevation: 9,000 ft ∼ 2,740 m, Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours].

Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut

In the morning, as you continue climbing Kilimanjaro, you’ll ascend through the heathland, where you’ll encounter giant lobelias and groundsels on your way to the open moorlands. Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi before pausing for lunch amid breathtaking panoramas. Your journey concludes at Horombo Huts, nestled beneath the imposing Kibo Summit.

Habitat: Heathland

(Elevation: 12,100 ft ∼ 3,690 m, Trekking time: 6 to 8 hours).

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Horombo hut

In the morning, you’ll continue climbing Kilimanjaro with an acclimatization hike to Kibo Hut before returning to camp. After lunch, you can explore the surrounding area, capture stunning photos of Mawenzi Volcano, or simply rest in preparation for the trek to Kibo Hut. To optimize acclimatization, you’ll spend the night at Horombo Hut camp, staying at the same altitude.

Habiatat: Heathland

[Elevation: 12,100 ft ∼ 3,690 m, Trekking time: 6 to 8 hours].

Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut

In the morning, you’ll continue climbing Kilimanjaro by crossing the thinning heathland to a moonscape-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Along the way, you’ll get a clear view of the summit climb up Kibo before settling in for the night at Kibo Huts.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 15,400 ft ∼ 4,695 m, Trekking time: 6 to 8 hours].

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit

In the early hours, you’ll embark on the most challenging and rewarding day of climbing Kilimanjaro, starting your ascent under the starlit sky. The steep scree and snow-covered paths will test your endurance as you steadily make your way toward Gilman’s Point, a significant milestone on the crater rim. At midnight, you’ll begin the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, aiming to arrive just in time for a breathtaking sunrise that will reward all your efforts.

As the first rays of light break over the horizon, you’ll stand on the Roof of Africa, taking in the unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding glaciers and plains below. This moment of triumph is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, capturing the essence of climbing Kilimanjaro.

After celebrating your achievement and capturing some unforgettable photos, you’ll begin your descent, retracing your steps back down the mountain. The journey back takes you past Gilman’s Point and down to Kibo Huts for a brief rest. From there, you’ll continue descending through the moonscape terrain, eventually arriving at Horombo Huts. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest, reflecting on the incredible feat you’ve accomplished.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 19,340 ft ∼ 5,895 m, Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours to the summit, additional 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo Huts].

Day 6: Horombo hut to Marangu gate to Moshi

You’ll begin your descent from Horombo Huts to Mandara Huts, where you’ll take a break for lunch. Afterward, continue descending through the lush forest to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll bid farewell to your climbing crew, receive your well-earned summit certificates, and then return to Moshi for a well-deserved rest at your hotel.

[Elevation: 6,000 ft ∼ 1,830 m, Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours].

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Departure from Moshi

Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will arrive at your hotel to transfer you to the airport, where we will bid our farewells. This will mark the conclusion of your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure. Good luck!

Add-On

For the Arrival day (pre-hiking) and Departure day (post-hiking), you have the option to decide whether you would like us to arrange accommodation in Moshi and include it in the total Tour budget, or if you prefer to book it yourself and be excluded from the total Tour  budget. “You will let us know”.

Our Hotels in Moshi

  • ParkView Inn
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
  • Panama Garden Resort

Private Gears 

  • Private Toilet

Transfer [From/To]

  • Airport Transfer [From/To]
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