6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027, There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027, Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.
6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027 Day by day Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,715m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +855m
Time: 4-6 hours
Route:
Drive to Marangu Gate for registration.
Trek through lush rainforest with chances to spot blue monkeys and exotic birds.
Highlights: Dense forest, wildlife, and waterfalls.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (shared wooden huts).
Meals: Lunch, dinner.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,715m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation Gain: +1,005m
Time: 6-8 hours
Route:
Ascend through the heather and moorland zone.
Mawenzi Peak comes into view along the trail.
Highlights: Stunning moorland landscapes and giant lobelias.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared wooden huts).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Activities:
Hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m), a 3-4 hour round trip for acclimatization.
Return to Horombo Hut for rest and recovery.
Highlights: Improves acclimatization and summit success chances.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared wooden huts).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,720m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation Gain: +1,000m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route:
Cross the “Saddle,” a dramatic desert-like plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
Arrive at Kibo Hut for early dinner and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Highlights: Expansive alpine desert views and the thrill of approaching the summit.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (stone-built huts).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,720m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,175m / -2,175m
Time: 12-16 hours
Route:
Summit Attempt: Start at midnight, climbing to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak.
After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue to Horombo Hut.
Highlights: Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise, breathtaking glacier views, and African plains below.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (shared wooden huts).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m), 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation Loss: -1,860m
Time: 5-7 hours
Route:
Descend through lush rainforest back to Marangu Gate.
Collect your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
Highlights: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the final descent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch.
Why Choose the 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027?
Additional Acclimatization Day: Greatly improves chances of reaching the summit.
Comfortable Huts: Avoid tents with shared huts offering basic shelter and bedding.
Scenic Diversity: Experience rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.
Challenges
Steeper Summit Day: The climb from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is demanding due to altitude and terrain.
Weather Variability: Prepare for cold and windy conditions near the summit.
Best Times to Climb
January to mid-March: Cooler conditions with possible snow on the summit.
June to October: Dry season with clear skies and moderate temperatures.
Estimated Cost
Budget: $1,200–$2,500 per person, depending on the operator, group size, and included services.
Preparation Tips
Training: Focus on endurance, strength, and stamina for long trekking days.
Gear: Bring high-quality hiking boots, layered clothing, gloves, and a headlamp for summit night.
Altitude Readiness: Stay hydrated, pace yourself, and consider using Diamox (consult your doctor). 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Includes: 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes: 6-days Marangu route 2025/2026/2027
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room