6 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

Trip overview

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is thae easiest and shortest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with sleeping huts at every campsite, providing solar-powered lights and comfortable bunk beds.

With communal dining huts and an energetic atmosphere, this route is popular among climbers worldwide. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer are available for purchase at the huts (bring small Tanzanian bills, as prices increase with altitude).

This trek is usually completed in 5 days but can be extended to 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day is spent at Horombo Hut, allowing for a short hike to Mawenzi Peak.

All Kilimanjaro treks are private trips, available any day. Group departures are available on select dates.

Trip Highlight

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha town

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 4: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 6: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha town

Day 8: Depart Arusha town

Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Kilimanjaro – Transfer to Arusha or Moshi town

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will transfer you to Moshi or Arusha.

  • Trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and gear check.

  • Extra luggage can be stored at the hotel.

Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge (Mid-range)

Day 2: Arusha to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut

  • Drive to Marangu Gate (45-60 minutes).

  • Register and begin trekking through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut.

  • Optional Maundi Crater hike for panoramic views of Tanzania and Kenya.

  • Wildlife spotting: Colobus monkeys, Eucalyptus trees, and unique birdlife.

Elevation: 1,860m (6,100ft) → 2,700m (8,875ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Budget)

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  • Transition from rainforest to heathland.

  • Spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

  • Spot giant lobelias and groundsels.

Elevation: 2,700m (8,875ft) → 3,700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

  • Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional Mawenzi Peak hike.

  • Ideal for adjusting to the altitude and increasing summit success rates.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

  • Walk past “The Last Water Point” and enter the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.

  • Landscape changes from heathland to barren alpine desert.

  • Rest and prepare for summit night.

Elevation: 3,700m (12,200ft) → 4,700m (15,500ft)
Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Budget)

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit – Descend to Horombo Hut

  • Start summit push between midnight and 2 AM.

  • Hike via Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,650ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft), the highest point in Africa.

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and take summit photos.

  • Descend to Horombo Hut for rest.

Elevation: 4,700m (15,500ft) → 5,895m (19,340ft) → 3,700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles) up, 15 km (9 miles) down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up, 4-6 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Budget)

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

  • Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate.

  • Transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved celebration.

  • Tip your guides and porters before departing.

Elevation: 3,700m (12,200ft) → 1,700m (5,500ft)
Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge (Mid-range)



Day 8: Departure or Safari Extension

Location: Sakina, Arusha, Tanzania

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