Kilimanjaro Expedition

6 Days Marangu Route

6 Days Marangu Route offers comfortable hut accommodation, scenic trails, great acclimatization, and an unforgettable Kilimanjaro summit adventure.

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Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights

Difficulty Moderate

From $1,750 USD

Best Season June, July, August, September, October, January, February, March

Success Rate 85% summit rate

Starting Gate Marangu Gate

Overview

The Climb Experience

The 6 Days Marangu Route is one of the most famous routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and is often called the “Coca-Cola Route” because of its comfortable hut accommodation. This route is ideal for climbers looking for a less demanding camping experience while still enjoying the beauty and challenge of Kilimanjaro.

The route passes through lush rainforest, beautiful moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut improves summit success and helps climbers adjust better to the altitude.

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Day by day

Route Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro

900m1 hour

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After your journey, you can relax and prepare for your upcoming Kilimanjaro adventure. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed climb briefing, equipment check, and final preparations. Overnight stay in Moshi.

Day 2

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft) to Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft)

2,700m8 km4–5 hours

After breakfast, you will drive to Marangu Gate for registration before beginning your trek through the lush rainforest zone. The trail is scenic and peaceful, surrounded by giant trees, colorful birds, and tropical vegetation. You may also spot black-and-white colobus monkeys along the way as you gradually ascend toward Mandara Hut. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Day 3

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m / 8858ft) to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

3,700m12 km6–8 hours

Today the trail leaves the rainforest and enters the moorland zone where the landscape changes dramatically. You will enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, giant lobelias, and open mountain scenery. The air becomes cooler as you continue ascending steadily toward Horombo Hut. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 4

Day 4: Acclimatization Trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m / 13189ft) then Back to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

4,020m5 km4–5 hours

This important acclimatization day helps your body adjust better to the altitude before the summit ascent. You will hike to Zebra Rocks, famous for their unique black-and-white volcanic patterns, while enjoying beautiful mountain scenery. After spending some time at higher altitude, you descend back to Horombo Hut following the “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization principle. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 5

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft)

4,700m10 km5–6 hours

Today you continue your climb across the alpine desert zone toward Kibo Hut, the final base camp before your summit attempt. The landscape becomes rocky and dry with spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. After arriving at Kibo Hut, you will rest, hydrate, and attend a detailed summit briefing from your guide before enjoying an early dinner and preparing for the midnight summit climb. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Day 6

Day 6: Kibo Hut (4700m / 15420ft) to UHURU PEAK (5895m / 19340ft) & Down to Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft)

5,895m22 km10–14 hours

Around midnight, you begin your summit attempt under the stars. The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding as you make your way slowly toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking glacier views and a great sense of achievement. After celebrating at the summit, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight stay. This is the most demanding but also the most memorable day of the climb. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 7

Day 7: Horombo Hut (3700m / 12139ft) to Marangu Gate (1860m / 6102ft)

1,860m20 km5–7 hours

After breakfast, you descend through the beautiful rainforest toward Marangu Gate where you will receive your summit certificate as recognition of your successful climb. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and celebration. We also welcome you to spare an hour of your day to plant a tree as part of our environmental conservation efforts in the Kilimanjaro region. Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Day 8

Day 8: Depart Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey home. For travelers wishing to continue exploring Tanzania, this is also the perfect opportunity to extend your adventure with a safari to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, or the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.

Mountain scenes

Gallery

Included

check_circle2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
check_circleAirport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
check_circleTransportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
check_circleKilimanjaro Park entrance fees
check_circleCamping or hut accommodation fees
check_circleCrater fees (if applicable)
check_circleKilimanjaro rescue team fees
check_circleHigh-quality 4-season tents
check_circleDouble-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
check_circleProfessional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
check_circleThree freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
check_circleFiltered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
check_circleHot water for washing
check_circleFair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
check_circleAll government taxes
check_circlePortable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
check_circleEnglish- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
check_circleOximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
check_circlePrivate portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
check_circleMountain communication radio
check_circleOfficial Kilimanjaro summit certificate.

Excluded

remove_circleMeals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
remove_circleTravel insurance
remove_circleShower tent (available at an additional cost) -USD 450 for 1 person, USD 300 per person for groups of 2 or more
remove_circleInternational and local flights
remove_circleLaundry services at the hotel
remove_circlePersonal gear, items, and toiletries

Packing Notes

Climbers should pack warm layered clothing, waterproof hiking boots, thermal wear, gloves, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a warm sleeping bag for cold summit temperatures.

Safety Notes

Your safety is always our top priority. Professional mountain guides perform daily health monitoring and carry emergency oxygen, pulse oximeters, and first aid equipment throughout the climb.

Acclimatization

The extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut helps climbers adjust better to the altitude and increases summit success on the Marangu Route.

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6 Days Marangu Route