6 Days | 5 NightsMount Kilimanjaro trekking Via Marangu Route
Trekking Overview
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro expedition via the legendary Marangu Route, affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola Route.” This iconic trail is celebrated for its lush rainforest trails, panoramic alpine vistas, and comfortable mountain huts, offering a perfect blend of challenge and comfort.
Journey through ever-changing landscapes from the vibrant rainforest alive with birdsong to the stark beauty of the high-altitude moorlands and the surreal alpine desert. Stand atop Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa, as the sun rises over the continent, an experience that leaves even seasoned adventurers speechless. This trek is more than a climb it’s a personal triumph and a memory that will last a lifetime.
Trekking Summary
- Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (2,700m)
- Day 2: Horombo Hut (3720M)
- Day 3: Horombo Hut – (Zebra Rocks (4,000m)
- Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,703M)
- Day 5: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Day 6: Marangu Gate
Price: $ 3,190 Per Person
- for 2 Adults
Day by Day Itinerary
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast at the hotel, you will receive a briefing from one of the guides and then proceed on a drive to Marangu Gate.
After your registration at the Marangu Gate, you will start walking through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life and colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1700m – 2720m
Distance: 7 km
Hours: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo hut
After breakfast, you’ll leave Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro’s forests for Horombo Hut. Most of this day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants.
You’ll eat a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3 pm and relax for the rest of the afternoon.
Although extremely busy, the Horombo Huts are considered the best on Kilimanjaro. The small, A-frame buildings can accommodate up to eight people each and provide lodging for hikers ascending, descending, and acclimatizing.
In total, Horombo accommodates up to one hundred hikers and many more porters, cooks, and guides.
Day Two: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Today is all about giving your body the vital time it needs to adjust to the high altitude a key step in ensuring your success on summit day. Spend a restful morning at Horombo Hut, soaking in the crisp mountain air and stunning vistas.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided acclimatization hike to the iconic Zebra Rocks (4,000m). Marvel at these striking geological formations, named for their dramatic black-and-white stripes that stand boldly against the rugged landscape. Along the trail, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mawenzi, and breathe in the serene beauty of the alpine wilderness.
After your hike, return to Horombo Hut where a nourishing, hearty meal awaits to replenish your energy. Rest well tonight, as your body prepares to take on the challenging ascent ahead every moment today brings you closer to conquering the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Two: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 977 meters, 3,200 feet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
You’ll leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the moorland and alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper altitudes. After hiking for about an hour, you’ll arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream.
After Maua, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. You’ll break for lunch at Middle Red Hill. After lunch, you’ll continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle.
Although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will enjoy stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll reach Kibo Hut around 3 pm to rest and prepare for your midnight climb.
Day Three: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,030 meters, 3,380 feet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru peak down Horombo hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), you’ll commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim.
Continuing, you’ll now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. You’ll have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
From here you’ll descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights.
It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Journey Back to Moshi or Arusha
After a hearty breakfast at Horombo Hut, begin your final descent through the lush rainforest, where the sounds of nature accompany your every step. As you reach Marangu Gate, take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey from the rainforest to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.
Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate, a proud symbol of your achievement. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, where a warm shower and a well-deserved rest await.
As your Kilimanjaro adventure comes to a close, we hope you leave with a heart full of unforgettable memories, breathtaking photos, and a deep sense of accomplishment. From sunrise at Uhuru Peak to the camaraderie on the trail, every step has been part of a journey you’ll cherish forever.
We thank you for trekking with us and hope this is only the beginning of many adventures together. Until we meet again “asante sana” and “karibu tena to Tanzania”
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Inclusions
- Park fees
- Drinking water in all days
- All meals on the mountain
- Transport from the hotel to the entrance gate then from outrance gate to the hotel
- All accommodation during the trek
- Entrance fees
- Conservation Fee
- All activities in all days
- Private adventure
- Pick up and drop off to the airport
- Suitcase holders that carry your luggage
- Knowledgeable and flexible Chef
- Private and professional guide
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Crew salaries e.g. porters, cook and guides
- Portable toilet
- Rescue fee
Exclusions
- Climbing gear
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- 7 Days | 6 Nights
Mount Kilimanjaro trekking Via Marangu Route
Inquire This Tour
Related Trekking Packages
7 Days | 6 Nights
Kilimanjaro Climb Via Machame Route
8 Days | 7 Nights
Kilimanjaro Trek via the Lemosho Route
6 Days | 5 Nights
Rongai Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure