6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is the most affordable way to summit Kilimanjaro and the only route with sleeping huts at every campsite. Huts offer bunk beds, solar lighting, and basic facilities, with bathrooms at lower camps and simple latrines at Kibo. Groups share meals in communal dining huts. Typically completed in 5 days, it can be extended to 6 days for better acclimatization, including rest at Horombo or a climb of Mawenzi peak.

Day 00 :

Pre-Trek Briefing

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 01 :

Hotel To Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 02 :

Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 03 :

Rest Day At Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours

Day 04 :

Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 05 :

Kibo Hut To Summit To Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Day 06 :

Horombo Hut To Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Rioba Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel (about 1 hour).