This 6-days Marangu route is also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and the most well established route on the Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilet. Short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.
The 6-days Marangu route is one of the most popular routes for trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Termed an easier route, the Marangu Route has encountered the highest failure rate due to bad preparation and untimely attempts. These situations have prompted KINAPA officials to put more emphasis and serious measures for those climbing Mt Kilimanjaro on the Marangu Route. All camps along this route have good radio communication to the park office. Some goods like mineral water, soft drinks, and chocolates are available in these camps. 6-days Marangu route
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Marangu, 6-days Marangu route
- Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Marangu.
- Preparation: Briefing with your guide and final equipment check.
- Accommodation: Marangu Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m), 6-days Marangu route
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: +840m
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Route: Trek through lush rainforest, with chances to see colobus monkeys and vibrant flora.
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut, a shared hut with bunk beds.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Marangu route
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Elevation Gain: +1,020m
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Route: The trail transitions from rainforest to moorland, offering panoramic views and unique vegetation like giant lobelias.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut, a larger hut with dormitory-style rooms.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Marangu route
- Activity: Spend the day hiking to Mawenzi Ridge (4,400m) and back to Horombo Hut. This helps your body adjust to the altitude.
- Distance: 5-7 km (round trip)
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Views of Mawenzi Peak and the saddle leading to Kibo.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m), 6-days Marangu route
- Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
- Elevation Gain: +980m
- Time: 6-7 hours
- Route: Cross the alpine desert, with the landscape becoming barren and rocky. The route passes the “Last Water Point” before reaching Kibo Hut.
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut, a basic stone hut at the base of the summit trail.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Horombo Hut, 6-days Marangu route
- Distance: 19 km (12 miles) (total ascent and descent)
- Elevation Gain: +1,195m to Uhuru, then -2,175m descent
- Time: 12-16 hours
- Route:
- Start at midnight, climbing steeply through switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim.
- Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then to Horombo Hut for the night.
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m), 6-days Marangu route
- Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
- Elevation Loss: -1,860m
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Route: Retrace your steps through the heath and rainforest zones back to the park gate. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate your achievement!
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Marangu or Moshi.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Additional Notes: 6-days Marangu route
- Best Time to Climb:
- Dry Seasons: January to mid-March and June to October.
- Altitude Tips: The extra day at Horombo significantly enhances acclimatization. Stay hydrated and maintain a slow, steady pace.
Inclusions, 6-days Marangu route
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Mess tents Day 1
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Clean, purified drinking water
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 6-days Marangu route
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tanzania Visa
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages