6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Overview

Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the only path offering hut accommodation. It is a relatively straightforward route with well-maintained trails, making it suitable for beginners.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha – Briefing and equipment check.

If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today, we will have a pre-trek briefing, review your equipment, and rent any necessary gear.

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (8 km | 4-5 hours | 1,860m to 2,700m).

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Hut. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers scenic views, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (12 km | 6-8 hours | 2,700m to 3,720m).

Leave the glades of the rainforest, following an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo Hut. Enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of altitude.

Day 4: Acclimatization day at Horombo Hut (hike to Zebra Rocks).

No need to pack you bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (9.5 km | 5-6 hours | 3,720m to 4,700m).

Today you’ll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.

Day 6: Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut (21 km | 10-15 hours | 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m).

The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.

You’ll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long nights sleep.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (20 km | 5-7 hours | 3,720m to 1,860m)

Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.