Kilimanjaro · Marangu Route

6 Days Marangu Route

Duration: 6 Days
Route: Marangu Route
Price: From $1,700

Tour Overview

The 6 Days Marangu Route is a classic, comfortable way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It takes a direct line to the summit and adds an extra day to help you acclimatize. Marangu, also called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route on the mountain where you sleep in huts instead of tents, which is why many climbers who want more shelter and convenience choose it.

Compared with the 5-day version, the 6-day itinerary adds an extra night at Horombo Hut (3,720m) so your body can adjust to the altitude. That extra night gives you a much better chance of reaching the summit.

The route passes through five ecological zones, from rainforest at the bottom to arctic desert at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You go up and come down the same path (an “out-and-back” route), but the landscapes change so much, and the route has so much history, that each day still feels new.

Good for:

Climbers who want a comfortable trek with nights in huts
Anyone who wants a moderate pace with good acclimatization
Trekkers who like a well-established, guided route

5 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Climb on the Classic Coca-Cola Route — Route map · open full size

Highlights

Enjoy the most spectacular landscape
Enjoy thrilling and safe scrambles on the very edge of Africa's highest mountain
Sleep in mountain huts on the trek

Itinerary

Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

The Hotel we are using is between these

Parkview Inn Hotel

Panama Garden Resort

Weruweru River Lodge
Day 01 �� Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from your Hotel and driven to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar generated lighting. Next to the central hut there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared!
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance
Approximately 12 kilometers
Habitat
Montane forest
Meals
Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Following breakfast, hikers will begin their ascent out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland. Hikers will pass the Maundi Crater and are able to climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. After 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Horombo Hut (3720m). Horombo Hut sleeps 120 hikers and is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner prepared by our chef. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this site.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance
Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat
Moorland
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day

Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut (4 310m), passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly!

Hiking time
4 ½ h
Distance
Approximately 7 km uphill / 7 km downhill
Habitat
Alpine desert
Meals
Breakfast,, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route (located to the right of the fork) is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).

Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!
- Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance
Approximately 15 kilometers
Habitat
Alpine desert
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 Summit Attempt
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.
- Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
- Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
Distance
Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
Habitat
Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi town for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
- Hiking time: 6 hours
Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Distance
Approximately 27 kilometers
Meals
Breakfast
Meals
Breakfast Included

Places on This Trip

Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park

Include

Private transport to from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
Private transport from Moshi to Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
2 nights of accommodation in Moshi which is before and after trek
Transportation to Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees,
Hut fees
Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & service
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit

Exclude

Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
Travel insurance
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.
Flights
Laundry (Available at hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the
Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
Guides: $20/day/guide
Cook: $15/day
Porter: $10/day/porter

Prices

Standard Package Price For 6 Days Marangu Route + 2 Nights in Hotel

People in Group	1-2	3-5	6-8	9+
Standard Package	$1,900	$1,800	$1,750	$1,700

Prices in US dollars.

Group climbs

Group Dates for This Climb

1 upcoming date. Join other travelers on a set date.

All group dates

21Jul

Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route – 6 days

21 – 26 July 2027

$1,600per person
- Huts to sleep in, not tents
- The “Coca-Cola Route”
- Popular with first-time climbers
Join group

Trekking Preparation

Testimonials

What Our Travelers Say About Our Tours

Highly Experienced and Wonderful Crew
The 7 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trek exceeded our expectations. The route is so beautiful and we enjoyed tackling the mountain with experienced guides - Bakari and Nickson. They were supportive from start to finish in all the aspects of the trek, starting with the technical strategy on the speed, rests and ensuring that we were healthy through regular checks.
SteveRead on TripAdvisor (Steve’s review)
Absolutely Beautiful Memories For My Family
Traveling with my 6 members of my family of ages between 8 and 73 is always a complex task with many moving parts. We had to arrange for Mama and Poppas dietary restrictions, accommodations, easy access for Mama and off-course places with a pool and kids activities for Lil Poppa and his teenage sister Anna.
Martina_EaghanRead on TripAdvisor (Martina_Eaghan’s review)
Awesome Trekking
My bothers and I shared one of the most incredible experiences in Tanzania as we trekked up Kilimanjaro. Our host Naick of Kilisa Tours & Safaris is the man behind our success.
TobiasRead on TripAdvisor (Tobias’s review)
Fun & Adventure On Our Christmas Vacation
Our safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti with Kilisa Tours and Safaris for exceeded all our expectations in every way. We were impressed by the high standards set right from our pickup at the airport, during the trip to the good byes. Nothing was left to chance as every detail had been well planned for.
MauriceRead on TripAdvisor (Maurice’s review)
The Best Experience Absolutely
We could not have asked for a better experience on Kilimanjaro. Everything about this trip with this local operator was top notch. Starting with the booking with Naick who made it smooth and easy with his timely responses and advice. Payment was easy and they took care of all the logistics that all we had to do was present ourselves at the KIA.
LokiRead on TripAdvisor (Loki’s review)
Hike Mt Kilimanjaro
We have visited Tanzania before, but this was our first time trekking Kilimanjaro. We are truly thrilled with our decision to choose Kilisa Tours & Safaris for our adventure, as they provided exceptional support throughout the trek.
Tephia SRead on TripAdvisor (Tephia S’s review)