6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
The 6 Days Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Termed an easier route.
Cost from $1900 per person
PRICE
$ 1900 PER PERSON
ALTITUDE
5895 M
LENGTH
6 DAYS
ACCOMMODATION
HUTS
DIFFICULTY
CHALLENGING
Route Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6 Days Marangu Route. The Marangu Route, often known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the classic and oldest paths to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, beginning on the mountain’s southeastern flank. It is historically significant because it was the route followed by Hans Meyer during the first successful Kilimanjaro summit in 1889. The route takes 5 to 6 days to complete and is the only one that includes hut accommodations rather than tents, making it appealing to climbers who desire more comfort. The trail traverses through all of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from tropical woods to alpine deserts, and Marangu Gate also serves as the Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters. Unlike other routes, the ascent and descent on Marangu follow the same path.
Itinerary in detail
Day 0 : Arrival
Welcome to Tanzania! When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will welcome you. Upon arriving at the lodge, a full briefing and equipment check will take place, providing you with crucial information for climbing Kilimanjaro in the coming days. You have the afternoon free.
Meals
None
Drinks
Drinking Water
Transport
Min-Van
Day 1 : Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Hiking time: 3-4 h | Distance: approx. 7 km | Altitude difference: approx. 860 m ↑ | Effort: Moderate
Following an early breakfast at the hotel, your experience begins with a breathtaking drive to Marangu Gate, the official entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. When you arrive, you’ll finish your registration, meet your specialized mountain crew, and get your equipment checked before heading out on the course.
The first section of the trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest, which is one of the most biodiverse areas on the mountain. The trail passes through high trees, lush greenery, and a diverse range of fauna. Keep a watch out for colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy, bright bird species, and plant life unique to this region of the world.
The well-kept path gradually ascends to Mandara Hut, your first overnight destination. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax and eat a warm supper before embarking on an optional short trip to Maundi Crater, which provides stunning panoramic views of the Kenyan countryside.
Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
Hiking time: 5-6 h | Distance: approx. 11 km | Altitude difference: approx. 1,000 m ↑ | Effort: Moderate
Continue traveling along trails dotted with heather until you reach the edge of the well-kept moorland plains, where you will reach the 3,760-meter-high Horombo Hut. The magnificent views of Moshi and the Pare hills, which sparkle in the distance, may be seen from this location on clear nights.
You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Masai grasslands and the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from your hut perch. You will enjoy your evening meal as the day comes to an end and get ready for a restful night’s sleep in the cozy surroundings of the Horombo Hut.
Amidst the breathtaking Kilimanjaro scenery, this portion of your journey offers both natural beauty and expansive views, resulting in a day that skillfully blends adventure and leisure.
Day 3 : Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
Hiking time: 4-5 h | Distance: approx. 11 km | Altitude difference: approx. 400 m ↑ und 400 m ↓ | Effort: Moderate
After a relaxing breakfast, you’ll embark on a 2- to 4-hour hike to the renowned Zebra Rocks at 3,980 meters. The remarkable black and white stripes on this rock structure give it its name. Explore this natural wonder.
After your thrilling hike, the Horombo Hut will welcome you with a delicious catered meal. You can taste the flavors and feel accomplished from the day with each bite.
The afternoon is a crucial time to relax physically and psychologically. As you relax in the Hut and take in the views, your strength returns, preparing you for the day’s climb.
You’ll have a hearty dinner with fellow travelers as the dusk turns golden. The comfortable and welcoming Horombo Hut will be your overnight home, giving you the rest you need to continue your trek through Kilimanjaro’s beautiful landscapes.
Day 4 : Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
Hiking time: 5-6 h | Distance: approx. 12 km | Altitude difference: approx. 1,000 m ↑ | Effort: Increased
The goal today is to reach Kibo Hut, which takes 5–6 hours of determined trekking. This long and difficult stage crosses a plantless plateau that connects Kibo and Mawenzi mountains.
Your journey requires dedication and endurance. As you approach Kibo Hut, the panoramic views show your dedication and Kilimanjaro’s stunning scenery.
Though difficult, the rewards are enormous. Reaching Kibo Hut, celebrating with fellow trekkers, and taking in the spectacular views make this part of the expedition unforgettable.
After the day’s struggles and successes, you’ll rest and refuel at Kibo Hut for Kilimanjaro’s last push.
Day 5 : Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel
Hiking time: 12-16 h | Distance: approx. 21 km | Altitude difference: approx. 1,200 m ↑ und 2,200 m ↓ | Effort: High
Your trek begins at night, when the frozen lava ash eases your steps. The difficult climb to the summit begins under the stars. You’ll pass the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 meters, rising with each step guided by their distant glow.
You’ll proudly stand on the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) at sunrise. After the night’s cold, the sun’s warmth will wrap you in the breathtaking views. After 1–2 hours of perseverance, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters is the ultimate goal.
The fall follows the same path, but now the light has warmed the lava ash, making it faster. Kibo Hut welcomes you back with a hearty supper and a chance to refuel. After a 1- to 2-hour break, you descend to Horombo Hut (3,700 m).
Horombo Lodge offers refuge as the sun sets, sending warm hues across the landscape. Your evening meal and a good night’s sleep await you, a perfect end to a day that showcased your climb to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Frequently Asked Questions About this Route
How difficult is the Marangu Route
Despite being a shorter journey over relatively simple terrain, we classify the Marangu route as tough.
With fewer days, your body has less time to react to the change in altitude. This means you’re at a higher risk of altitude sickness.
The 6 day Marangu route has a summit success rate of approximately 70%.
This is substantially better than the 5-day Marangu climb, which has an estimated summit success rate of 30% (I do not like those chances!).
The Marangu route spans 82 kilometers (50 miles).
Where to Sleep during the Climbing
The Marangu Route along Mount Kilimanjaro offers basic hut accommodation managed by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
The dorm-style hut accommodations are shared. There are 60 bunk beds in each of the huts at Mandara (Day 1) and Kibo (Day 4).
Since most hikers stay here for two nights, Horombo has twice as much space. 120 people can sleep in horombo huts.
Both shared public restrooms and common dining spaces are available at the huts. Unheard of on the other paths, the lower lodges offer flushing toilets! However, this gradually shifts to long drops as you get higher.
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
Climate and Weather Conditions
The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro undergoes both dry and wet seasons, with the dry season (January to March, July to October) widely regarded as the most suitable time to climb. During this time, there is less rain, clearer skies, and milder daytime temperatures.
The rainy season (April-June, November-December) provides more rain, higher humidity, and muddy pathways. The optimum time to climb is determined by personal tastes, with the dry season offering better weather and visibility and the wet season providing a quieter trekking experience.
It is critical to carry layered clothing, rain gear, warm clothing, sun protection, and hydration regardless of the season. Consult your tour operator or guides for the most recent weather forecasts and plan your hike appropriately.
Meals on the Hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will prepare and serve your breakfasts, lunches, and meals during the trip. The menu has been created in collaboration with a professional nutritionist to guarantee that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the required nourishment.
Is Marangu a busy route?
Because Marangu is one of the most popular routes due to its ease of climb, expect it to be a busy and congested route.
So, if you despise being in enormous crowds, the Marangu route isn’t for you.
2 PEOPLE
$1900
3 PEOPLE
$
4 PEOPLE
$
5 PEOPLE
$
6 PEOPLE
$
Price inclusions
Price
Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation before and after your climb on bed & breakfast basis
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, and climbing fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees – Part of the National Park
- High-quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable foam mattress
- Camping fees
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Healthy & Clean Meals
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Porter to carry your duffel bag
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Emergency first-aid kit
Price
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Domestic Flights
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tipping the Guides and Porters
- Snacks on the mountain
- Your personal trekking gears
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
- Sleeping Bags
- Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included
Optional extras available at a surcharge:
- Self-inflatable mattresses (additional to the basic mattress)
- Sleepings bags for low temperatures
- Walking poles
- Additional oxygen cylinder package
- Overnight stay at Crater Camp
- Additional clothes and equipment on request
- Portable chemical toilet
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Mountain Packing List
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