6 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking

START FROM

$2,395

duration

6 Days 5 Nights

Min people

2 PEOPLE

Adventure type

Mountain Trekking

OVERVIEW

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey with a 6 days Marangu Route hike to the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu offers the comfort of hut accommodations along the trail while guiding you through ever-changing landscapes—from lush rainforests and alpine meadows to the dramatic lunar-like terrain near the summit.

Over the course of six days, you’ll experience breathtaking vistas, acclimatization opportunities, and the incredible challenge of standing atop Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.

This trek combines cultural encounters, natural wonders, and the thrill of achievement, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Note: Distances and hiking times may vary depending on weather conditions, group pace, and other factors.

TOUR PLAN

Day 1: Drive to Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45–60 minutes), register, and begin your climb. Trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut, with an optional side trip to Maundi Crater for sweeping views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Along the way, look for colobus monkeys, vibrant birdlife, and towering eucalyptus trees.

Elevation: 1,860m / 6,100ft → 2,700m / 8,875ft

Distance: 8km / 5mi

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Budget Hut)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the rainforest glades behind and ascend onto open moorlands. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are breathtaking. Keep an eye out for giant lobelias and groundsels along the trail.

Elevation: 2,700m / 8,875ft → 3,700m / 12,200ft

Distance: 12km / 7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget Hut)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Spend the day at Horombo Hut to rest and adjust to the altitude. Optional acclimatization hike towards Mawenzi Peak for stunning views.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget Hut)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Continue ascending past the final watering point and trek across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The vegetation thins out as you enter the stark alpine desert landscape. Prepare for your summit attempt with an early dinner and rest at Kibo Hut.

Elevation: 3,700m / 12,200ft → 4,700m / 15,500ft

Distance: 9km / 5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Budget Hut)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit, then down to Horombo Hut
Start the climb around midnight, ascending steep scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim before pushing on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895m / 19,340ft). After celebrating your summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight.

Elevation: 4,700m / 15,500ft → 5,895m / 19,340ft (Summit) → 3,700m / 12,200ft

Distance: 6km / 4mi up, 15km / 9mi down

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up, 6 hours down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget Hut)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend steadily through heathland and into the lush rainforest. Arrive at Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for the transfer back to Moshi. Time for celebration!

Elevation: 3,700m / 12,200ft → 1,700m / 5,500ft

Distance: 20km / 12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch