6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route
Tour Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro, as seen from the Marangu Route
The Coca-Cola Route is more popular than the Marangu Route because it can be completed in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
The ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is steep and passes through Gilman’s Point. Because it is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization, the summit success rate is lower.
This is the only route that shares the ascent and descent routes, resulting in increased traffic.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day of Arrival: Pickup from the airport
The airport will be picked up for you. After that, you’ll be taken to a hotel in Moshi for a trek orientation. Your guides will provide you with information about your trek as well as inspect your trekking equipment.Dinner and overnight at a lodge or Hotel
Day 1: Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation ranges from 6,046 feet to 8,858 feet.
- 8 kilometers (5 miles).
- Time to hike: 4-5 hours.
- Rainforest habitat
We leave Moshi for Marangu Gate, where we will complete the necessary paperwork before beginning our trek. The hike begins by ascending through a lush tropical rain forest. At the forest’s upper edge, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. Until we reach Mandara Hut, the trail widens to reveal beautiful hillsides.
Day 2: Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut
- Elevation ranges from 8,858 feet to 12,205 feet.
- 7 miles (12 kilometers)
- Time to hike: 6-8 hours.
- Heathland habitat
We begin the day by hiking through the forest until we reach high moorland. We might get our first glimpses of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
- 5 kilometers (3 miles)Elevation (ft) ranges from 12,205 to 14,400 ft.
- Time to hike: 2 to 3 hours.
- Habitat from Heath Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
- The elevation ranges from 14,400 feet to 12,205 feet.
- 5 kilometers (3 miles)
- Time to hike: 1-2 hours.
- Heathland habitat
This is an optional acclimatization day that can be spent hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The inspiring views of Kibo and Mawenzi are part of the unique landscape. We return to Horombo Hut after spending some time exploring the area.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut on
- Elevation ranges from 12,205 feet to 15,430 feet.
- 10 kilometers (6 miles)
- Time to hike: 6-8 hours.
- The Alpine Desert as a habitat
Between Mawenzi and Kibo, we gradually climb and then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle.” Kibo Hut, our camp, is located at the base of the Kibo crater wall. Once we arrive, we will rest and eat an early dinner in order to prepare for the summit day.
Day 5: Hike from Uhuru Peak to Kibo Hut
- Elevation ranges from 15,430 to 19,341 feet.
- 6 kilometers (4 miles).
- Time to hike: 6-8 hours.
- Arctic habitat
- Horombo Hut to Uhuru Peak:
- The elevation ranges from 19,341 feet to 12,250 feet.
- 16 kilometers (10 miles)
- Time to hike: 4-5 hours.
- Heathland habitat
We started our ascent to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the trek’s most mentally and physically demanding section. At this elevation and time of day, the wind and cold can be brutal. We climb for several hours in the dark, taking frequent but brief breaks. You’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you’ll ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak from Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.
We descend to Horombo Hut after a few moments of taking in the African plains and your accomplishment. Later that evening, we have our final meal on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation ranges from 12,205 feet to 6,046 feet.
- 20 kilometers (12 miles)
- Time to hike: 5-7 hours.
- Rainforest habitat
On our last day, we have a long trek through the tropical rainforest, mostly downhill. We picked up our summit certificates at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate. We will be met by a vehicle and driven back to our hotel in Moshi.
Day of Departure
Return to the airport or continue on your adventure. (Tanzania safaris to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti must be at least 3-4 days long.)
Related Trekking Packages
6 Days Marangu Route
6 Days Lemosho Route
6 Days Machame Route
6 Days Umbwe Route
7 Days Rongai Route
Included
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer Meals
(As specified in the day-by-day section) - Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Not Included
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees