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6 Days Marangu Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Itinerary
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Overview
Overview
The Marangu Route, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the least expensive of all the routes to the summit. Many climbers choose it because it offers more comfort and is considered easier compared to other routes.
One of the main features of this route is the availability of sleeping huts. These huts are located at every campsite along the trail. They are equipped with solar lights and basic but comfortable beds. Each bed has a sponge mattress and a pillow, which provides some rest after long days of hiking.
The huts are communal. This means that climbers share the space with others. It’s not private, but it adds a social element to the climb. You get to meet people from around the world, all with the same goal of reaching the summit.
Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 beds. Horombo Hut is larger, with 120 beds. At the lower camps—Mandara and Horombo—you will find running water and basic bathroom facilities. This can make a big difference in comfort during the early part of the climb.
At the highest camp, Kibo Hut, the toilets are much more basic. There are separate latrines for men and women, but they are simple and not very clean. Still, they serve the purpose.
Meals are served in dining huts. All climbing groups eat together. This creates a fun and lively atmosphere. Sharing meals gives climbers a chance to bond, exchange stories, and support each other.
The standard trek takes five days. It is the shortest route to the summit in terms of time. However, the quick pace can make altitude sickness more likely. For this reason, many climbers choose to do the route in six days instead.
The extra day is usually spent at Horombo Hut. This day helps your body adjust to the altitude. Some climbers use it to rest. Others take a short hike to Mawenzi, a nearby peak, for better acclimatization.
The trail starts at Marangu Gate. On the first day, you hike through a lush rainforest. You may see monkeys and exotic birds. On day two, the landscape changes to moorland. It becomes cooler and drier. By the third day, the scenery turns into rocky alpine desert.
The final climb to the summit starts around midnight. Climbers leave from Kibo Hut and hike through the night. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. It is a tough climb, but reaching the top is worth every step.
The Marangu Route is a good choice for beginners or those looking for a less rugged experience. With huts instead of tents and a well-marked trail, it provides a unique blend of comfort and adventure.
Itinerary
Day-By-Day Tour Plan
Day 1: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 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, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: 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 grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: 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 summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit 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.
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: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through 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).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Include
Cost Included
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Cost Exclude
Cost Excluded
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
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