Best 6 days Marangu route Kilimanjaro climbing Overview
The 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking offers an exhilarating adventure up Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing snow-capped peak. Embarking on this 6-day Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu route adventure offers an exhilarating African journey exploring the majestic 5,895-meter Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Known as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its relative ease, this popular path begins at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, taking you through enchanting rainforests and moorlands to reach the Kibo Hut before embarking on the challenging summit day.
The 6 days Kilimanjaro Marangu route journey provides stunning landscapes and a sense of achievement upon reaching the Kilimanjaro summit 19,431 feet above sea level.
Best 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking price
The best and most affordable prices for the 6 days Marangu route on Kilimanjaro climbing is from $1300 to $2800 per climber enabling you to successful summit 19,431’ Kilimanjaro and descending back to Marangu gate. These 6 days Kilimanjaro prices and costs vary depending on the accommodations before and after the climb, number of people in a group, and luxury or budget climbing services offered and are paid in USD, Euro, Pound, and Tanzania Shillings.
Best 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking success rate
The best successful Kilimanjaro summit rate for the 6 days Marangu route on Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is from 70% to 75% reaching at the Africa’s peak at 5,895 meters and descending back to the Marangu gate. The highest Kilimanjaro summit rate on the 6-day Marangu route can be reached when you get enough time to properly acclimatize to high altitude.
What is the difficulty level of the 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking ?
The 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking is considered to be a moderate climb, suitable for beginners with a good level of fitness. This 6-day Marangu route begins in Moshi or Arusha and is suitable to all type of travelers including solo travelers, couples, honeymooners, families with children, and with friends.
| Destination | Marangu, Kilimanjaro |
|---|---|
| Book via E-mail | eddytoursandsafaris@gmail.com |
| Included | Guide, PortersPark Fees, TaxGate transferCrew wages Environment feesDuring the climb you will be camping throughout you climb!Breakfasts, Lunches, DinnersDrinking waterCook |
| Excluded | FlightsTipping the crewVisas |
 | |
6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking, Day-by-Day Detailed Information:
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation Gain: 850m (2,788 ft)
Distance: ~8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Terrain: Rainforest
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (basic wooden cabin with shared facilities)
Begin your trek at the Marangu Gate (1,870m). The first part of the hike passes through a lush rainforest full of dense vegetation, with tall trees and tropical plants.
The hike is mostly uphill but not too steep. You may see colobus monkeys and other wildlife as you walk along the forest trail.
Mandara Hut offers basic accommodation, with bunk beds and a common dining area. There are also nearby waterfalls that can be explored during the evening.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation Gain: 1,000m (3,280 ft)
Distance: ~12 km (7 miles)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Terrain: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (wooden cabin with communal areas)
Details:
This day starts with a long, steady climb. As you ascend, the forest thins out and transforms into heathland with shrubs and grasses.
You’ll have a chance to see views of Kibo Peak (the highest peak) and the distinctive spires of Mawenzi Peak in the distance.
The higher altitude and change in environment can start to have an effect on some trekkers, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and take your time.
Horombo Hut has basic cabins with a communal dining area, and trekkers often get the opportunity to interact with fellow climbers.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: ~3,720m (12,205 ft)
Optional Short Hikes: Zebra Rocks (4,000m/13,123 ft)
The goal of this day is acclimatization. Staying at 3,720m for an additional night helps your body adjust to the altitude.
You will take a short acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks, which is around 4,000m. This hike is not strenuous and gives you a better chance to observe how your body reacts to higher altitudes.
After the hike, you’ll return to Horombo Hut and spend the evening relaxing and hydrating.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation Gain: 1,000m (3,280 ft)
Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (basic cabin with shared facilities)
This is a significant day in terms of both altitude gain and the shift in landscape. You’ll leave the moorland zone and enter the barren alpine desert zone, which is largely rocky with sparse vegetation.
As you hike toward Kibo Hut, you may feel the effects of the thinner air, and the terrain becomes increasingly desolate.
Kibo Hut is basic but has shelter from the cold night ahead. It’s advised to rest early as the summit attempt begins in the early hours of the next day.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Horombo Hut
Elevation Gain to Summit: 1,192m (3,910 ft)
Elevation Descent: 2,175m (7,136 ft)
Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
Duration: 10-15 hours (summit day)
Terrain: Arctic (summit), Alpine desert (descent)
Summit Attempt (Midnight Start): You’ll begin the summit attempt at around midnight. The trek to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) takes about 6 hours. This is the steepest part of the climb, and temperatures can drop below freezing.
From Gilman’s Point, the final 1-2 hours will lead you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), where you’ll reach the summit just in time for sunrise. Expect breathtaking views of the glaciers, ice fields, and vast landscape below.
After taking some photos and celebrating the summit, you will begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
The total descent is exhausting but critical for avoiding altitude sickness.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation Loss: 1,850m (6,070 ft)
Distance: ~20 km (12.5 miles)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Terrain: Moorland, then rainforest
After a long and challenging trek, the final descent begins. It will take you through moorland and into the rainforest once again.
The descent can be taxing on the knees, so it’s important to pace yourself and stay cautious on slippery sections.
Once you reach the Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate as a reward for your accomplishment.
6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking Accommodation and Facilities:
Huts: The Marangu Route is the only one on Kilimanjaro with hut accommodations. Each hut has basic sleeping arrangements (wooden bunks), and the huts have shared restrooms and dining areas.
Meals: Meals are typically provided by the guide service, with a variety of hot meals. Expect hearty breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners to keep up energy levels.
Water: It’s important to carry enough water (at least 3-4 liters per day). Water is provided at the huts, but it’s always best to purify it before drinking.
Difficulty:
While the Marangu Route is considered one of the easier routes to summit, it still poses significant challenges. The key difficulty comes from the altitude and the long summit day. The ascent is gradual, which makes it easier than some other routes, but altitude sickness can still affect climbers. Proper acclimatization and pacing are essential for summit success.
6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking Preparation Tips:
Physical Fitness: Although the Marangu Route is not as strenuous as some other routes, you should still be in good physical condition, with strong cardiovascular fitness.
Clothing and Gear: Ensure you have warm clothes, especially for the summit night. You’ll need layers to protect against the cold temperatures.
Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat regularly. Dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Altitude Acclimatization: Follow the advice of your guides, take it slow, and remember that hiking higher during the acclimatization day is crucial.
Inclusions, 6-days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking
- 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 Kilimanjaro climbing/trekking
- 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
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)