6-DAY MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is renowned as the “Coca Cola” or “Tourist” route. It represents the most accessible and shortest path to the summit. This trail offers a unique feature: sleeping huts with solar lighting and cozy beds are available at each campsite. The huts are shared spaces, with bunks equipped with sponge mattresses and pillows.

Both Mandara and Kibo Huts offer 60 beds, while Horombo Hut provides 120 beds. The lower huts are equipped with bathrooms and running water. Climbing groups from various countries gather in the dining huts, creating a lively and energetic ambiance. Refreshing drinks like soft beverages, bottled water, and beer can be purchased at the huts, with payment in small Tanzanian bills (prices increase with altitude).

Although the typical duration for this route is 5 days, it can be extended to 6 days for enhanced acclimatization. The additional day can be spent resting at Horombo or ascending the small peak of Mawenzi.

DAY 1: KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

• Altitude: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 8km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Commence your journey after breakfast with a drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Following registration, embark on a climb through the rainforest to reach the Mandara escarpment. Consider a side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for majestic Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys within the rainforest.

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

• Altitude: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 12km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 8-9 hours
• Habitat: Heathland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Depart from the rainforest and ascend through open moorlands to reach the Horombo encampment. The hut offers stunning vistas of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the expansive Maasai steppe.

DAY 3: REST DAY AT HOROMBO HUT

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Enjoy a day of rest at Horombo Hut.

DAY 4: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

• Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 9km
• Walking/Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Today’s focus is on ascent. Pass the final watering point and traverse the saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation transitions to upper heathland and then a barren “moonscape.” Prepare for the summit climb after dinner and rest.

DAY 5: KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT, DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT

• Altitude: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft, then down to 3700m/12,200ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 6km up / 15km down
• Walking/Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15 hours down
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Embark on the summit stage, beginning around midnight. The ascent to Gillman’s Point (5681m) involves a challenging climb, eventually leading to Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Capture breathtaking views and then return to Kibo Hut. Following a warm meal and a break, descend to Horombo Hut. The climb starts in darkness and necessitates headlamps or flashlights.

DAY 6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE, DRIVE TO MOSHI

• Altitude: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
• Walking/Hiking Distance: 20km/12.5mi
• Walking/Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast

Descend through moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue through a lush forest path to Marangu National Park gate. The lower elevations might be wet and muddy. A vehicle will transport you from Marangu village back to your Arusha hotel.

Our pricing is based on per-person sharing, unless specified otherwise. Kindly consider the provided rates as indicative and subject to change:

All rates are contingent upon availability and are susceptible to alterations without prior notification. Additional charges for single accommodations may be applicable. Feel free to request a personalized quote or engage with our Tanzania Safari Experts to obtain the latest and most accurate rates.

THE PRICE FOR THIS ITINERARY INCLUDES:

• Accommodations as per itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Transportation and transfers as per itinerary
• National Park gate fees
• Transport between Arusha and trailhead
• Camping fees
• Certified, experienced guides, cooks, and porters
• Salaries for all crew members
• Rescue fees as required
• Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, utensils
• Oximeters
• Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)

THE PRICE FOR THIS ITINERARY EXCLUDES:

• International and domestic flights
• Meals not listed
• Beverages and alcohol
• Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
• Single room supplement
• Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters, cooks
• Sleeping bags and personal gear