6 Days Marangu Route Climb Kilimanjaro

Tour Overview

6 Days Marangu Route Climb Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water (cold) are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and women’s latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

6 Days Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Pickup at Airport

You will be picked up at the airport. From there you will go to the hotel in Moshi for an orientation on your trek. Your guides will be there to provide you with details on your trek and will also check your Climbing gear.
Dinner and overnight at Keys Hotel or a similar hotel in Moshi

Day 1: Mandara Huts

Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave Moshi and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. Upon arriving at Marangu Gate, you will be given the time to check in and register. This is where you begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro. The first leg of this route takes you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for black or white fur! Make sure you have the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet, muddy soil.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~8,858
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts

To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up toward the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Day 3 Acclimatization Day

You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and you walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 meters.
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland

Day 4: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts

On day 4, you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched, desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years past. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.

Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water your plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a full night’s sleep worth of energy. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s ultimate challenge!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts

As you awake around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike. Many hikers consider the difficult terrain, scattered with loose rocks, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. There will be a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to experience the glorious view. Afterward, you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru – this is the last part of the ascent and features a steady incline.

Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the astounding view and get a picture in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.

Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205

Day 6: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate – Moshi

As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, we will have lunch and say farewell to our mountain crew.  Afterward, we will leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-need shower and a commemorative dinner!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: `1,843
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Included in the price:

— 2 Airport Transfers, from JRO Kilimanjaro International Airport
— 2 nights hotel at Keys Hotel in Moshi town on a Bed and Breakfast basis, Double or Triple Occupancy
— 3 Delicious meals a day, boiled and filtered drinking water while on the mountain.
— All park entrance, hut, and rescue fees
— Warm water for washing is to be provided every morning and evening.
— Oxygen Cylinder – only for emergency
— English Speaking Guides (Wilderness First Responder certified), cooks, and porters
— Staff salaries and fees.
— Transport to/from national park gates.
— First aid kit and pulse oximeter.
— Emergency telephone between the guides and our office in Moshi town.
— 3 liters of bottled drinking water to be provided on the first day of your hike, on the mountain porters will fetch water from the streams to be boiled and filtered for you.

Not included in the price:

— Prices do not include sleeping bags
— Gratuities
— Soda/alcohol unless otherwise noted
— Health insurance
— Visa fees
— International airfare
— Laundry
— All Meals and drinks in Moshi town