Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary
Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026, 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.
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.
Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
Below, you will find a comprehensive 5 night/6 day climb up Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. If you would like to shorten your route to 5 days, skip the night of the Acclimatization Day and continue walking straight from the Horombo Huts to the Kibo Huts in one day.
Day 1: Mandara Huts, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave Arusha and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. Upon arriving at Marangu Gate, you will be given the time to check-in and register. This is where you begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro.
The first leg of this route takes you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for black or white fur! Make sure you have the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet, muddy soil.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~8,858
Habitat: Rainfores
Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up towards the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights.
It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 3 Acclimatization Day, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and you walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 metres.
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
On day 4, you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched, desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years past. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.
Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water your plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a full night’s sleep worth of energy. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s most ultimate challenge!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5 Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
As you awake around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike. Many hikers consider the difficult terrain, scattered with loose rocks, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. There will be a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to experience the glorious view. Afterward, you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru – this is the last part of the ascent and features a steady incline.
Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to the Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the astounding view and get a picture in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Arusha, Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, we will have lunch and say farewell to our mountain crew. Afterward, we will leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-need shower and a commemorative dinner!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: `1,843
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Frequently Asked Questions: Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
How Difficult is the Marangu Route?
This route is attempted by many novice hikers every year as it offers comfortable hut accommodations, as opposed to other routes that require you to sleep in mountain tents. Many people attest that this route is less difficult compared to other hikes to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Marangu route common misconception for trekkers is perceive a 5-day hike to be easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day options can be very difficult as it does not allow for much time to acclimate to the altitude.
The 6-day option is much easier, but a good level of fitness is still required.
What is the distance of the Marangu Route and how many days does it take to complete?
The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days. As the Marangu Route is the shortest route on the mountain, it is best to complete the journey over 6 days to increase your chances of success.
What is the Maragu Route Summit Success Rate?
As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route? Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
Are there showers in the Marangu route? Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
Yes, there are showers and flushing toilets available at some of the huts in the Marangu route. However, the showers are cold and are available at Mandara hut and Horombo hut.
What is the best time to journey through the Marangu Route? Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026
Between July and September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is the most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. Since it is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time during the year. Be cautious, April and May are the wettest months, so this period is best avoided.
Kilimanjaro in -6days Climbing 2025/2026