6 Days Marangu Trek
Trekking Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the easiest and most popular path to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. It is the only route featuring comfortable mountain huts equipped with solar lighting and beds, offering a more convenient and social trekking experience. The shared dining huts foster an engaging atmosphere among climbers from around the world. While typically completed in five days, an extra day is recommended for better acclimatization, increasing summit success rates. The route is also the most budget-friendly option and provides access to basic amenities, including running water and latrines at lower camps.
Trekking Itinerary
Day :1 Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
The trek begins at Marangu Gate, where climbers complete registration formalities before starting the ascent through the lush rainforest. This 5-hour hike is relatively gentle, leading through towering trees, dense foliage, and a variety of wildlife, including blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.- Distance: ~8.3 km (~5.2 mi)
- Time: ~5 Hours
- Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
- Highlights: Rainforest trek, possible sightings of primates, optional Maundi Crater visit for panoramic views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Leaving Mandara Hut, the landscape transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland. Trekkers will notice the shrinking tree cover, replaced by giant heathers and Senecio plants. The climb is gradual yet demanding, taking approximately 9 hours, with incredible views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.- Distance: ~12.5 km (~7.8 mi)
- Time: ~9 Hours
- Elevation: 2,700m to 3,700m
- Highlights: Transition from rainforest to moorland, breathtaking views of Mawenzi & Kibo peaks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day – Horombo Hut → Zebra Rocks → Return to Horombo Hut
This acclimatization day is crucial for adjusting to the altitude and increasing summit success rates. A short trek to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) helps trekkers adapt while offering an opportunity to explore unique striped rock formations formed by lava deposits. The return to Horombo Hut allows for a hot lunch and relaxation, ensuring climbers are well-rested before ascending further.- Distance: ~5 km (~3.1 mi)
- Time: ~4 Hours
- Elevation: 3,700m to 4,020m
- Highlights: Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks, crucial for summit success.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
This is a challenging trekking day, as climbers ascend through the alpine desert zone. The trail crosses the “Last Water Point”, marking the final natural water source before the summit. The path leads through the Saddle, a vast, barren plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, with strong winds and extreme temperature fluctuations. The 7-hour trek ends at Kibo Hut, where trekkers have an early dinner before resting.- Distance: ~10 km (~6.2 mi)
- Time: ~7 Hours
- Elevation: 3,700m to 4,700m
- Highlights: Trek across the saddle plateau, a barren landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Descend to Horombo Hut (3,700m)
Summit day begins at midnight, as climbers embark on the most demanding section of the trek. The steep ascent leads past Hans Meyer Cave (5,220m) before reaching Gillman’s Point (5,681m) at sunrise. The final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) takes 1–2 additional hours, offering breathtaking sunrise views over glaciers and the African plains. After celebrating at the summit, climbers descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut, experiencing warmer air and increasing oxygen levels- Distance: ~22 km (~13.7 mi)
- Time: 12–15 Hours
- Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,700m
- Highlights: Summit push at midnight, reaching Gillman’s Point (5,681m) at sunrise, final ascent to Uhuru Peak for breathtaking views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
The final descent retraces the moorland and rainforest paths, providing trekkers with a last chance to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s stunning scenery. A stop at Mandara Hut for lunch allows time to reflect on the journey before the final stretch back to Marangu Gate. Here, climbers receive summit certificates before being transferred back to Moshi, where they can enjoy a hot shower and well-earned celebration.- Distance: ~20.8 km (~12.9 mi)
- Time: ~6 Hours
- Elevation: 3,570m to 1,600m
- Highlights: Rainforest descent, summit certificates, return to Moshi.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
