6 Days Marangu Route

5 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Climb on the Classic Coca-Cola Route

The 6 Days Marangu Route is a classic and comfortable way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, ideal for those seeking a direct route to the summit with an extra day for acclimatization. Also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only route on the mountain that offers accommodation in mountain huts rather than tents—making it a popular choice for climbers who prefer more shelter and convenience.

Unlike the shorter 5-day version, the 6-day itinerary includes an additional night at Horombo Hut (3,720m) to help the body adjust to altitude, significantly increasing the chances of a successful summit.

The route takes you through five ecological zones—starting in rainforest and ending in arctic desert at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Though it follows the same path up and down (an “out-and-back” route), the varied landscapes and historical charm make every day feel fresh and rewarding.

Perfect for:

  • Climbers who want a comfortable hut-based trek

  • Those seeking a moderate pace with good acclimatization

  • Trekkers who prefer a well-established, guided route

  • 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

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

People in Group1-23-56-89+
Standard Package$1,900$1,800$1,750$1,700

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Meals:Breakfast Included

  • Hiking time: 6 hours
  • Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers
  • Meals: Breakfast

 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.

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

Book This Tour

Tour Booking

Trekking Preparation

Altitude Sickness

Best Time To Climb

Climbing Gear For Hire

Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist

Electronic Gadgets

Private Toilet Tents

Successful Climb Stories

Kilimanjaro Faq's

Climate Zones

Health Issues

Daypack on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Equipment List

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Visa