6 Days / 5 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations
Marangu Gate / Mandara Hut / Horombo Hut / Kibo Hut
Style
Mountain Trekking
Total hiking distance
100 km
About this Tour
Marangu (“Coca Cola”) Route:
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro.
Brief itinerary below
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be picked up from with our driver and transfer you to the Hotel for overnight. (Bed & breakfast.
Destination
Moshi
Meals Plan
Bed & breakfast
Overnight
Panama Garden Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut (LD)
Your journey begins at the Marangu Gate park headquarters, situated at 1,860m. From here, you will embark on a 4-to-5-hour trek covering 8km through a vibrant, misty rainforest.
As you ascend toward Mandara Hut at 2,700m, keep a keen eye on the canopy; the forest is teeming with life, and it is common to spot Blue Monkeys and the striking Black-and-White Colobus monkeys playing in the branches above.
Eleveation
Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft.) to Mandara Hut (2,740 m/9,000 ft.)
Distance
7 km
Hiking Time
4-5 hours
Habitat
Montane Forest
Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (BLD)
After breakfast proceed walking 5-6 hours slowly following a path through the forest and then through the heather and moor land zone from where you can view Kilimanjaro’s two peaks and Moshi town with on way lunch box. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and overnight stay.
Eleveation
Mandara Hut (2,740 m/9,000 ft.) to Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft.)
Distance
11 km
Hiking Time
6-8 hours
Habitat
Heath Land
Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (BLD)
A hard day climb to Kibo Hut (4703 m), 5-6 hours crossing the barren sub – Alpine terrain of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks with picnic lunch box along the way. We relax on arrival to prepare for the next stage which begins shortly after, mid night a very early start at around 12:00, follow the zigzag path up the scree slope, stopping frequently to catch breath in the starlit air.
This is the steepest and most demanding section for the climb, taking five hours to Gilliman’s Point (5685m). Gillman’s Point offers great views of the Eastern Ice fields. See sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak illuminating the plain.
Then walk a further 45 minutes around the crater and up to the highest point Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the spectacular glaciers illuminated by the sunrise. Thereafter it is a 3-4 hour descent to Kibo Hut (3720m) with a rest at Kibo Hut on route. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Eleveation
Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft.) to Kibo Hut (4,695 m/15,400 ft.)
Distance
10 km
Hiking Time
6-8 hours
Habitat
Alpine Desert
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut (BLD)
The most challenging and rewarding stage begins around midnight. Starting from Kibo Hut, you will begin the final ascent under the stars, climbing over 1,000m to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m.
After reaching Gillman’s Point on the crater rim and celebrating your achievement at the summit, you will begin a long descent back to Horombo Hut. This grueling 21km day takes between 12 and 15 hours but offers the life-changing experience of seeing the sunrise from the roof of Africa.
Eleveation
Kibo Hut (4,695 m/15,400 ft.) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft.)
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft.) to Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft.)
Hiking Time
4 km ascent, 14 km descent
Habitat
Artic
Distance
10-15 hours
DAY 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi
Your final day on the mountain involves a 20km descent from Horombo Hut back to the Marangu Gate. Over the course of 5 to 7 hours, you will retrace your steps through the moorland and back into the lush rainforest. Upon reaching the gate, you will be presented with your official Gold Certificate to commemorate your successful climb before being driven back to Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration
Eleveation
Horombo Hut (3,690 m/12,100 ft.) to Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft.)
Distance
18 km
Hiking Time
5-7 hours
Habitat
Rain Forest
INCLUDED
- All accommodations per itinerary
- All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
- All transportation and transfers per itinerary
- National Park gate fees
- Transfers Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi to starting point on mountain and return to Moshi then Kilimanjaro Airport
- Hut fees
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
- Salaries for all crew members
- Rescue fees (as required by national park)
- Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Oximeters
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Beverages and alcohol
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
- Optional tours
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $200-500/person)
- Sleeping bags and personal gear
- Single Supplement $80
Eco Dream Safari
Trekking Specialist
Enquire this Tour
Why Eco Dream
- Responsible Luxury & Comfort
- Personalized Safari Experience
- Authentic Wildlife Experience
Turn Your Kilimanjaro Dream into Reality
With our Kilimanjaro trekking experiences, every climb is designed around you. You have the freedom to choose your preferred route, pace, and level of challenge. Our sample itineraries are flexible and can be fully customized to match your goals—whether you seek a steady summit approach, a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, or a deeply rewarding personal achievement on Africa’s highest peak.
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