6 Days Marangu Route

The Marangu Route is one of the popular paths leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is known for its relatively gentle slopes and gradual ascent, making it one of the more accessible routes on the mountain. The trail begins at the Marangu Gate and takes climbers through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

Unlike some other routes, the Marangu Route provides hut accommodations along the way, offering a more comfortable experience for trekkers. These huts have basic amenities and help protect climbers from the elements. The journey typically takes about five to six days, with the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, starting from the Kibo Hut.

One of the notable features along the Marangu Route is the Mandara Hut, where trekkers can rest and enjoy the unique surroundings. As climbers progress, they encounter the iconic lava tower and pass through the scenic Barranco Valley. The final push to Uhuru Peak involves a challenging ascent to Gilman’s Point and then further to the summit. While the Marangu Route is considered less strenuous in terms of elevation gain, proper acclimatization and physical fitness are still crucial for a successful summit attempt. Overall, the Marangu Route offers a classic and well-established trekking experience on Africa’s highest p

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  Day 1: Marangu Gate to Maranda Hut

  • Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft
  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest
  • The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Cam
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  Day 2: Maranda Hut to Horombo Hut
  Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft Distance: 12 km/7 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Heath We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
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  Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
  Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Heath Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205 Distance: 5 km/3 miles Hiking Time: 1-2 hours Habitat: Heath This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
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  Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
  Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km/6 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
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  Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
  Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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  Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 6 km/4 miles Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft Distance: 16 km/10 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Heath Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Included

• Transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport (Tanzania) / hotel / Kilimanjaro Airport
• 4×4 vehicle with a capacity for 5 people, especially prepared for Safari
• English-speaking driver/guide
• National park entry fees
• Full board throughout the safari (excluding drinks), bed and breakfast in the city of Arusha
• Bottled mineral water during the safari
• Private Safari

Excluded

• International flight
• National and international airport taxes
• Tanzania visa
• Kenya visa (in case of flying to Nairobi)
• Drinks (of any kind)
• When visiting the Masai village, the price must be negotiated on-site (optional activity)
• Tips and personal extras
• Travel insurance, transportation expenses in case of emergency, personal medical kit
• In general, any service not specified as included