The 6-Day Marangu Route is the most popular and accessible route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, often referred to as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. Known for its easier ascent, it offers a comfortable trekking experience, especially for those seeking a scenic and gradual climb. Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route is the only one equipped with sleeping huts at each camp, providing added comfort with solar lights, beds, and communal dining huts.
The trek is typically completed in 5 days, but the extended 6 day itinerary allows for better acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching the summit. On the rest day at Horombo Hut, you can either relax or take an optional hike to the Mawenzi peak for further acclimatization.
This route begins with a transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and follows a well-established trail through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones, with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. The summit day involves an early ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending back to Horombo Hut.
The Marangu Route provides a fantastic opportunity for trekkers of various fitness levels, with a lively atmosphere at the huts where climbers from all over the world share meals. Whether you’re climbing for the challenge or for the stunning views, this route offers an unforgettable journey to the top of Africa.
Accommodation: Comfortable huts with mattresses and solar lighting at every camp.
Best for: Climbers looking for a gradual ascent and comfortable accommodations.
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, Transfer to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha (approximately a 45-minute drive). After check-in, you’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide. This is the perfect time to get any necessary rental gear and pack for your trek. You may also leave any extra luggage that isn’t needed during the trek at the hotel. If time allows, we recommend taking an extra rest day before starting your climb.
Meals included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Day 2: Drive to Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate (45-60 minutes). After registering, start the trek through the lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers stunning views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for Colobus monkeys and towering eucalyptus trees along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leaving the rainforest, you’ll ascend to the open moorlands, where you’ll reach Horombo Hut. Enjoy amazing views of the Mawenzi peak and the summit of Kibo. Keep an eye out for giant lobelias and groundsel plants, and you may begin to feel the effects of altitude.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Enjoy a well-deserved rest day at Horombo Hut, with the option to take a short hike around Mawenzi Peak to aid acclimatization. This will help you prepare for the final summit push.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Continue your ascent, passing the last watering point before reaching the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation thins out and you’ll encounter a barren “moonscape.” Dinner and rest at Kibo Hut, preparing for the summit climb.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, then Descend to Horombo Hut
A very early morning start (midnight to 2am) begins the summit climb. Ascend steep scree and snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short break before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Drive to Arusha
After breakfast, descend through the moorland to Mandara Hut and continue through the forest to the Marangu Gate. A vehicle will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Arusha for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Day 8: Depart Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight. If you are continuing on to a safari, your guide will meet you at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
| INCLUDES | EXCLUDES |
|---|---|
| All accommodations per itinerary | International and domestic flights |
| All meals per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) | Meals not listed |
| All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded) | Beverages and alcohol |
| All transportation and transfers per itinerary | Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff |
| 2 nights in 3-star accommodations in Moshi (upgrade possible) | Optional tours |
| One-way transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport (shared/arrival) | Single room supplement |
| National Park fees + Camping fees | Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.) |
| Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi | Tips for guides, porters, and cooks ($400–$600 per person recommended) |
| Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes | Sleeping bags, sleeping pad, and personal gear |
| Porters, cooks, and assistant guides as required | Portable toilet |
| Rescue fees (as required by the national park) | Single tent |
| Tents, cooking equipment, and eating utensils | |
| Filtered water with Katadyn filter | |
| Oximeters | |
| First aid kit | |
| Emergency oxygen |
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