6-Day Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro Climb

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Overview

The Marangu Route is the oldest and one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of camping, making it a great option for trekkers seeking added comfort and simplicity.

This 6-day itinerary provides a steady pace, allowing climbers to acclimatize while experiencing the lush rainforest, open moorlands, and dramatic landscapes leading to Africa’s rooftop. Although often considered one of the easier routes, the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is still challenging and requires determination and proper preparation.

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

At 8am leave Moshi or Arusha for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

  • Elevation Gain:1,050 meters, 3,445 feet
  • Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

  • Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 9 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

  • Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 4 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

  • Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

  • Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

  • Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi 
  • Approx. time taken: 8 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included

Inclusions & Exclusion

  • Porterage
  • Park fees (For non-residents)
  • All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
  • Drinking water (On all days)
  • Rescue fee
  • Climbing gear
  • International flights (From/to home)
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips for crew members
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

6-Day Marangu Route - Kilimanjaro Climb

Budget

2 pax

$2,182 USD*

4 pax

$1,582USD*

6 pax

$1,582USD*

Mid-Range

2 pax

$2,288 USD*

4 pax

$1,780 USD*

6 pax

$1,550 USD*

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Reserve your spot today or let us tailor the experience to your travel dates and preferences.

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Frequently Ask Questions

What currency should I bring?

We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it’s always good idea to have local currency.

You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. The other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.

Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).

Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).

A 30% to 50% deposit will already be taken to reserve your slot. The remaining balance can be paid by using one of the below methods:
  • Cash in USD before the tour start.
  • Pay by card before the tour starts with a 5% card processing fee. (Applicable throughout Tanzania)
  • Pay by bank transfer at least 4 weeks in advance.

Waterproof, windproof, breathable pants and jacket with hood Goretex is excellent. packs (like Camelbaks) also work well, although the hose can freeze on the summit climb. Headlamp with extra batteries You might also consider a backup flashlight in case your headlamp fails.

Kilimanjaro and Safaris Packing List You can hire the required gear on the spot when you arrive in Tanzania.

Should I bring a First aid kit?

There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, also we have it for the Kilimanjaro climbing, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets,

The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.

It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.

Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping.

Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.

Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).

The crews for one person for Kilimanjaro climbing include:
=> 1 Guide 
=> 1 Chef Cook
=> 1 Waiter
=> 1 Toilet Porters 
=> 4 Supporting Porters