6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route: An Unforgettable Adventure
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route, approaching from the west and offering stunning 360-degree mountain views.
DISCOVER MOUNT KILIMANJARO
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price Per Person: $ 1,690- $ 1,775
- Scenery: very Good
Overview: Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trekking
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing experience, and the Marangu Route is one of the most popular paths for trekkers. It is also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its relatively easier terrain compared to other routes, offering the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Our 6-day trek on the Marangu Route is designed to take you from the lush rainforest at the base to the stunning summit, providing you with unforgettable views, unique habitats, and a rewarding challenge. This itinerary ensures that you reach the summit of Kilimanjaro safely while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Drive to Marangu Gate and Trek to Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
- Day 4: Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Day 5: Summit Day - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut
- Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
What is Included
- Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- National park fees and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinders and first aid kit
- All meals while on the mountain
- Cleaned, Purified and drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by government)
- Quality mess tents with table and chair
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- All necessary trekking gear such as tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy and nutritious food
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
What is not Included
- International and Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal items and gear (such as Clothing, trekking boots etc.)
- Soft drinks, alcohol or additional snacks
- Accommodation before and after trekking
- Tips and gratitude (senior guide $25 per day from the whole group, Assistant guide $20 per day for whole group, cooks $15 per day for whole group and Porters $10 per day from whole group.
Day 0: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel and trek-briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in either Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences. After check-in and settling in, you’ll have the chance to relax and adjust to the local time zone. In the evening, our guide will meet with you for a comprehensive briefing about the trek, including the daily itinerary, necessary gear, safety tips, and altitude considerations. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask any final questions and prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey ahead.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Gallery
Day 1: Drive to Marangu Gate and Trek to Mandara Hut
The adventure officially begins as we drive from your hotel to the Marangu Gate, the starting point of the trek.embarking on the first leg of the journey. The hike to Mandara Hut takes you through dense rainforest, where you’ll encounter a variety of exotic plants and wildlife, including the famous Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys. The terrain is relatively gentle, with a gradual ascent. Along the way, our guides will point out different flora and fauna unique to the region. After about 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Mandara Hut, located at an elevation of 2,700 meters. Here, you can rest and enjoy dinner in the cozy hut, while the sounds of the rainforest surround you.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) at Marangu Gate to 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) at Mandara Hut
- Distance Covered: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 2: Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
On the second day of trekking, we ascend to Horombo Hut, passing through different zones of vegetation. The first part of the trail takes you through the moorland, a transition between the rainforest and the alpine desert. As you gain elevation, the views begin to open up, offering spectacular panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The hike takes about 6-7 hours, with a steady climb up to 3,720 meters. On arrival at Horombo Hut, you’ll be welcomed with breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. This is a good time to hydrate and rest as you adjust to the altitude.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) at Mandara Hut to 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Hut
- Distance Covered: 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest, Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
This is a crucial day for acclimatization. At Horombo Hut, you’ll take a break from trekking, allowing your body time to adjust to the altitude before continuing the ascent. Acclimatization is key to successfully summiting Kilimanjaro, as it helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. You can enjoy a short hike around Horombo Hut, where you’ll see the stunning scenery and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s two peaks, Kibo and Mawenzi. Resting here will help you build strength for the more challenging days ahead, while your guides will monitor your condition closely.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Hut
- Distance Covered: No hiking
- Time: Rest day
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 4: Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
On Day 4, we will continue the ascent toward Kibo Hut, which marks the final stop before the summit. The terrain changes significantly as you leave the moorland behind and enter the alpine desert zone. The landscape becomes more barren, with fewer plants and more volcanic rock. This section of the climb can be mentally and physically demanding due to the thinner air, but the stunning vistas of the desolate landscape make it all worthwhile. You will reach Kibo Hut after about 6-7 hours of hiking. Located at an elevation of 4,700 meters, Kibo Hut provides the last opportunity to rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Hut to 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) at Kibo Hut
- Distance Covered: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 5: Summit Day - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut
The summit day is a little bit most challenging than other days before but also the most rewarding day of the entire climb. You’ll begin your ascent from Kibo Hut in the early hours of the morning (around midnight) to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. This part of the hike is tough, with a steep climb on loose volcanic scree, and the altitude makes every step more challenging. However, the reward of standing at the roof of Africa, at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), is unmatched. After reaching the summit, we will begin our descent back down to Kibo Hut for a short rest, and then continue the descent to Horombo Hut. The total hiking time for this day is between 12-14 hours, making it a long and strenuous but unforgettable experience.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 4,700 meters (15,420 feet) at Kibo Hut to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak (Summit) and descend to 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Hut
- Distance Covered: 22 kilometers (13.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 12-14 hours (Round Trip)
- Habitat: Alpine Desert, Summit Zone, Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On the final day of the trek, we will descend from Horombo Hut to the Marangu Gate. The descent takes around 5-6 hours, and the landscape changes once again as you leave the alpine desert behind and re-enter the rainforest zone. The trail is much easier going down, but it’s still important to take care, as the path can be slippery in places. Once we reach the Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificate, marking your incredible achievement. From here, our driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your successful climb.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) at Horombo Hut to 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) at Marangu Gate
- Distance Covered: 20 kilometers (12.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Price Per Person
SEASON & DATES
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
PRICE
Per Person
$1,775 USD*
$1,730 USD*
$1,690 USD*
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The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most popular and oldest routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its relatively gentle gradient and the fact that it is the only route that offers sleeping huts instead of camping. The route typically takes 5-6 days to complete and approaches the summit via the Gilman's Point and Stella Point on the crater rim. Despite its popularity, it has a lower success rate compared to other routes due to its shorter duration and rapid ascent.
The Marangu Route earned the nickname "Coca-Cola Route" because it was historically considered the easiest and most accessible path to the summit, much like the widespread availability of Coca-Cola. Additionally, in the early days of Kilimanjaro trekking, Coca-Cola was sold at the huts along the route, further cementing the nickname. However, despite its reputation, the route is still challenging due to altitude and the steep final ascent to the summit.
The Marangu Route offers several advantages, including: Comfortable accommodations: Trekkers sleep in basic huts with bunk beds, avoiding the need for camping. Shorter duration: The route can be completed in 5-6 days, making it a good option for those with limited time. Gentler gradient: The trail is less steep compared to other routes, making it suitable for beginners or those looking for a less physically demanding trek. Well-maintained trails: The route is well-established and easy to follow.
While the Marangu Route has its perks, it also has some drawbacks: Lower success rate: Due to its shorter duration and rapid ascent, acclimatization is more challenging, leading to a higher risk of altitude sickness and a lower summit success rate. Crowded trails: As one of the most popular routes, it can get busy, especially during peak seasons. Less scenic variety: The route follows the same path for ascent and descent, offering less diversity in landscapes compared to other routes like the Machame or Lemosho.
Yes, the Marangu Route is often recommended for beginners due to its relatively gentle gradient and the availability of hut accommodations, which provide a more comfortable experience compared to camping. However, beginners should still prepare physically and mentally for the challenges of high-altitude trekking. Proper acclimatization is crucial, and opting for the 6-day itinerary instead of the 5-day option can significantly improve the chances of summiting successfully.
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