6 Day Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

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This 6 day Kilimanjaro Hike/ trek follows the Marangu Route, the easiest and shortest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Marangu Route is sometimes called the “Coca Cola” and is the oldest and most popular route up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Marangu’s route climbing profile is very gradual and steady, allowing for painless trekking for most of the way. However, due to its reputation as an easy route, Marangu is often selected by unprepared, inexperienced climbers. Correspondingly, only about 35% of the people actually make it to the top.

This Kilimanjaro Hike begins with a transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1840m).  The route takes six days minimum to complete. The Marangu route is unique in offering the luxury of sleeping huts at all of the camp stops along the way.

The Mandara and Kibo Huts have 60 beds each and the Horombo Hut sleeps, 120 people. The huts are equipped with comfortable bunk beds each with a sponge mattress and pillow. The huts on the Marangu trail are communal and are fitted with solar-powered lights. The bathrooms of the huts lower down on the slopes feature running water. 

There are various beverages on sale along the Marangu Route to quench the thirst for climbing hikers. Bottled water, soft drinks, and even beer are usually available at the huts. Meals are taken in shared dining huts where several climbing groups from various countries across the globe get to meet up.

These social mealtimes on the Marangu route are fun and lively occasions. All your equipment and supplies are carried by potter and a cook prepares all your meals. Marangu is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths.

It’s also attractive for those who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu is for those who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind crowds.

The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu’s overcrowded feeling. It is a cheaper climb as well, due to the close proximity of the gate to Moshi, the gateway town, and because it is a shorter route.

Scenically, the Marangu route is not a desirable route compared to all the other routes because it confines climbers to one area of the mountain, thus limiting the variety. However, Marangu has the best trail in the rainforest section of the trek. Of course, there are still great views of the Mawenzi and it’s equally spectacular for everyone at Uhuru.

Marangu route is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths. It’s also attractive for those who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu’s huts offer shelter and warmth against the weather so it is a decent choice when climbing during the rainy season. Marangu is for those who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind crowds.

This guided Kilimanjaro Trek takes a leisurely 6 days of hiking, allowing for time to acclimatize on your way to the “Roof of Africa”.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate 1860 Meters/ 6100 Feet Hike to Mandara Hut (2700 Meters/ 8875 Feet)
Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut (2700 Meters/ 8875 Feet) to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)
Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)
Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet) to Kibo Hut (4700 Meters/ 15,500 Feet)
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut (4700 Meters/ 15,500 Feet) to Summit (5895 Meters/ 19,340 Feet), and down to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet) to trail head, drive to Moshi (1700 Meters/ 5500 Feet)

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate 1860 Meters/ 6100 Feet Hike to Mandara Hut (2700 Meters/ 8875 Feet)

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walkthrough 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, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

The hiking distance is 8 Kilometers/ 5 Miles and the hiking time is between 3 to 4 hours through Montane Forest

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the budget Mandara Hut

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut (2700 Meters/ 8875 Feet) to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels.

You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude. We arrive at Horombo Hut in mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp.

The hiking distance is 12 Kilometers/ 7.5 Miles and the hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours through Heathland

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the budget Horombo Hut

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)

Rest day at Horombo Hut or take a walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly!

All meals for the day are provided at the Horombo hut. We stay at the Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the budget Horombo Hut

Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet) to Kibo Hut 4700 Meters/ 15,500 Feet)

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”.

These 5 to 6 hours of walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700 Meters), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hut. There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.

Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

The hiking distance is 9 Kilometers/ 5.5 Miles and the hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours through Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the budget Kibo Hut

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut (4700 Meters/ 15,500 Feet) to Summit (5895 Meters/ 19,340 Feet), and down to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet)

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point (5,685 meters) located on the crater rim.

We will rest there for few minutes to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling good can continue slowly to make the three-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru peak 5,895 meters which is the highest point in Africa.

There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo for some refreshment before continuing on 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!

The hiking distance is 6 Kilometers/ 4 Miles up and 15 Kilometers/ 9 Miles down. The hiking time is between 6 to 8 hours up and down through Alpine Desert

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the budget Horombo Hut

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut (3700 Meters/ 12,200 Feet) to the trailhead, drive to Moshi 1700 Meters/ 5500 Feet

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu.

Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/ Arusha (about 1 hour). It is time for celebration!

The hiking distance is 20 Kilometers/ 12.5 Miles and the hiking time is between 4 to 5 hours through Forest

Meal Plan: Breakfast

6 Day Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Rates Includes:

Oximeters + Hut or camping fees + National Park gate fees + All meals on the mountain + Salaries for all crew members + Rescue fees (as required by the national park) + Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes + Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils + Transport from Moshi to starting point on the mountain and return to Moshi/ Arusha

Notes

* 6 Day Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route begins and ends at Arusha/ Moshi/ Kilimanjaro Airport

6 Day Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Travelers insurance
* Communication charges
* Sleeping bags and personal items
* Tips or gratuity for guides and porters
* Visas, international airfares and airport taxes; meals
* Lunch or dinner in town (option and extra charges direct)
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)