6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations, providing a more comfortable and budget-friendly trekking experience compared to camping routes. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the most direct and accessible path to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). This extended six-day itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, significantly increasing the summit success rate compared to the 5-day version. The gradual ascent, well-maintained trails, and scenic landscapes make it an excellent choice for first-time climbers looking for a balanced mix of challenge and comfort.
Why Choose the 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu ?
Only route with hut accommodations, avoiding the need for camping
Extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization, improving summit success rates
Shortest route with a gradual ascent, making it easier for beginners
Scenic landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers
More affordable than longer Kilimanjaro routes
Detailed 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,879m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m) – Rainforest Zone
The adventure begins with a morning pickup from Moshi or Arusha, followed by a drive to Marangu Gate, where park registration takes place. The trek starts with a gentle ascent through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tropical birds. The trail is well-maintained, making it an easy and pleasant walk to Mandara Hut, where trekkers will stay in shared wooden huts with bunk beds. A short optional hike to Maundi Crater offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Kenya’s Amboseli National Park.
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 841m
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Moorland Zone, 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail enters the moorland zone, where vegetation changes to giant heathers, lobelias, and alpine shrubs. The landscape opens up, revealing stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The trek is gradual but steady, allowing trekkers to acclimatize as they approach Horombo Hut, their next overnight stop.
Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: 1,000m
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
To improve the chances of reaching the summit, trekkers spend an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization. A short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) helps the body adjust to higher altitude before returning to Horombo Hut for a relaxed afternoon and overnight stay. This “climb high, sleep low” approach is essential for reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Acclimatization hike distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 300m (then descend 300m)
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m) – Alpine Desert Zone, 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
The trek continues through the Saddle, a vast stretch of alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The landscape becomes rocky and barren, with dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Arriving at Kibo Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt, trekkers will have an early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent.
Hiking distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 983m
Day 5: Summit Day – Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m), 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
The most challenging and rewarding day begins just after midnight, with a slow and steady ascent under the stars. The steep switchbacks lead to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), where trekkers will witness a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. A final push takes climbers to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, the descent begins back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut, where trekkers will spend the night.
Hiking distance: 21 km
Hiking time: 12-14 hours
Elevation gain: 1,192m (then descend 2,175m)
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,879m), Return to Moshi/Arusha
The final descent passes back through the moorland and lush rainforest, where trekkers may spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and tropical birds. Arriving at Marangu Gate, climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Hiking distance: 20 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Elevation loss: 1,841m
Challenges & Considerations of the 6-Day Marangu Route
Acclimatization is still limited, though better than the 5-day version
Less scenic variation, as the ascent and descent follow the same route
Hut accommodations may be crowded, especially during peak seasons
Why Trek Kilimanjaro via the 6-Day Marangu Route in 2025/2026?
Extra acclimatization day, increasing summit success rate
Only Kilimanjaro route with huts, avoiding the need for camping
Ideal for first-time climbers, with gradual trails and comfortable sleeping conditions
Shorter and more affordable than longer treks like Lemosho or Machame
This 6-day Marangu Route trek for 2025/2026 offers a perfect balance between challenge and comfort, making it one of the best ways to summit Kilimanjaro in a relatively short time. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced climber, this well-structured, scenic, and comfortable route provides an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience on Africa’s highest peak.
Inclusions, 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions, 6-days Kilimanjaro trek Marangu
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)