MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS

Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Price: USD 2,525.00Per Person

Overview

The 6-day Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most established and comfortable path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a great choice for climbers seeking a bit more comfort. The trail takes you through five diverse ecological zones — from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the icy summit zone. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak, explore the Maundi Crater, and possibly spot blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys in the forest. The Marangu Route’s gradual ascent profile helps with acclimatization, making it ideal for first-time climbers aiming to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and experience the breathtaking summit sunrise.

Key Highlights

  • Stunning panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Trek through diverse terrains including rainforest, moorland, and glaciers.
  • Excellent acclimatization schedule for summit success.
  • Opportunity to camp under the stars with fellow climbers.
  • Reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters—the highest point in Africa.
The 6-day Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most established and comfortable path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a great choice for climbers seeking a bit more comfort. The trail takes you through five diverse ecological zones — from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the icy summit zone. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak, explore the Maundi Crater, and possibly spot blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys in the forest. The Marangu Route’s gradual ascent profile helps with acclimatization, making it ideal for first-time climbers aiming to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and experience the breathtaking summit sunrise.

Itinerary Details

ARRIVAL DAY: Arrive in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to Mount Meru Hotel and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at Mount Meru Hotel.

Accommodations: Mount Meru Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

TREK DAY 1: Arusha to Marangu gate – Mandara Hut

Arusha to Marangu gate – Mandara Hut

Altitude gain:6,046 ft to 8,858’ ft; Hiking time: 4-5 hours, 5 miles

After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you’ll take your first step toward your goal – the roof of Africa. You’ll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimajari. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub’s Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. After reaching Mandara Hut you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Accommodations: Accommodations : Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp

8,858 ft to 12,205 ft :Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 7 miles

Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you’ll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the fairy-tale like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You’ll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that’s the really big one that you’ll be scaling in a few days.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

12,205 ft to 14,400 ft : Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 3 miles

No need to pack you bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

12,205 ft to 15,430 ft : Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 6 miles

Today you’ll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut

15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to12,205 ft, 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent

The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.

You’ll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long nights sleep.

Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

12,205 ft to 6,046 ft : Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12 miles

Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.

Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TREK DAY 7: Departure

If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.

Accommodation

Budget Accommodation

Safari using affordable Hotels, Lodges, or Camps, comparable to a 1-2 star Hotel. Accommodation is usually located outside the National Park.

Mid-range Accommodation

Safari using medium to large–scale Lodges, tented camps, or Cottage Camps, comparable to a 3-star Hotel

Luxury – Accommodation

Safari using deluxe tented camps or Lodges usually located inside the National Park and comparable to a 4-star hotel. Accommodation is usually located inside the Park.

Luxury+ – Accommodation

Safari using extremely luxurious tented camps or Lodge, usually located in a private wildlife – Viewing area and comparable to a 5-star Hotel. Expect great food, excellent service, top-quality guiding, and gorgeous tents or rooms. Most luxury + properties charge around USD$ 850 to 1850 per person per night!

Price

USD 2,525.00

Per Person (Net cost is usd valid for 2025/2026)

Includes & Excludes

Note (COVID-19)

“Please note that all these are sample itineraries. We will tailor-make your safari according to your wish and due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel around the world, it is free to postpone your travel up to 1 year after the original travel date”

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Destinations: Mount Kilimanjaro

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