The 6-day Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro trail with hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a more comfortable climb. This classic route follows a gradual ascent, passing through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes before reaching the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Unlike other trails, you’ll stay in wooden mountain huts with bunk beds, offering a warmer and drier experience compared to tent camping. With an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, this itinerary improves your chances of successfully reaching the summit while allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.
This route provides stunning scenery along the way, from the towering trees of Marangu Forest to the Mawenzi volcanic peak and the breathtaking glaciers of Kibo. The well-maintained trail makes it accessible to both beginner and experienced hikers, but the final summit push remains a challenging and rewarding feat. The Marangu Route’s round-trip format (ascending and descending on the same path) offers a unique opportunity to retrace your steps and appreciate the changing landscapes on your descent. With expert guides and well-planned logistics, this trek ensures a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route - Request for a free quote, sent direct to your e-mail address
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Habitat: Rainforest
After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where you’ll complete registration before starting your trek. The hike begins through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various exotic birds. The trail is well-defined, offering a gradual and scenic ascent towards Mandara Hut (2,700m). Upon arrival, you can take a short hike to the Maundi Crater, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. After dinner, enjoy a comfortable night in the wooden huts.
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape transitions into heath and moorland, with giant lobelias and senecios dominating the scenery. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner, but the path remains manageable with a moderate incline. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. After a steady trek, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you will spend the night. This hut is much larger and often busy with climbers both ascending and descending the mountain.
Elevation: 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
Optional Hike: 4,200m to Zebra Rocks
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
To improve acclimatization, you will spend an extra night at Horombo Hut. Today includes an optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,200m), a striking rock formation with black-and-white stripes caused by mineral deposits. This short hike allows your body to adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek takes you into the sparse and rugged alpine desert, where vegetation is minimal, and the landscape is dominated by rocks and volcanic dust. You’ll pass the Saddle, a vast, barren area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, before reaching Kibo Hut (4,703m). The high altitude makes this stretch more demanding, and it’s essential to stay hydrated and move at a steady pace. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and get some rest, as the summit attempt begins at midnight.
Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Habitat: Arctic zone (summit), alpine desert (descent)
Summit night begins around midnight, with headlamps lighting the way as you slowly ascend the steep, zigzagging path toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the climb, due to the freezing temperatures and thin air. From Gilman’s Point, you’ll push forward to Stella Point (5,756m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit as the sun rises over the continent is an unforgettable experience.
After capturing photos and taking in the incredible views, you’ll begin your descent back to Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you’ll have a well-earned rest after a grueling but rewarding day.
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
Habitat: Heath and rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll trek back down to Marangu Gate, retracing your steps through the moorland and rainforest. Once at the gate, you will receive your summit certificates before driving back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration. You can spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town before departing the next day.
This marks the end of an incredible Kilimanjaro adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s highest peak.
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route - Request for a free quote, sent direct to your e-mail address
| Office In: | Tanzania |
| City: | Arusha |
| Since: | 2024 » (1) Year of Experience. |
| Size: | 100 - Employees |
6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route
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