6-Day Marangu Route Trek | Classic Kilimanjaro Climb

Overview

The 6-Day Marangu Route is one of the most popular treks to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route” for its relative comfort, this trek features hut accommodations, scenic trails, and a gradual ascent that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s the only route that provides hut shelters for overnight stays, making it ideal for those seeking a less rugged yet challenging adventure.

Best Time to Visit: June to October, December to February (dry seasons for clear skies and better trail conditions)

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Activities:
- Arrive in Moshi and check into your hotel.
- Meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing and gear check.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Moshi, such as Springlands Hotel or Weru Weru River Lodge.
Meals:

Dinner: Enjoy Tanzanian cuisine, including nyama choma (grilled meat) or vegetarian options.

Recovery: Rest and prepare for your trek with an early night.

Day 2: Moshi to Mandara Hut (2,720 m)

Distance: ~8 km
Estimated Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: ~915 m
Terrain: Rainforest trails.

Highlights:

Drive to Marangu Gate for registration and the start of your climb.
Trek through lush rainforests, spotting colobus monkeys and exotic birds.

Accommodation: Mandara Hut (wooden huts with bunk beds).
Meals:

Breakfast: Hotel-provided.
Lunch: Packed picnic on the trail.
Dinner: Hot meal at the hut prepared by your trekking chef.

Recovery: Rest and acclimatize at Mandara Hut, enjoying the peaceful rainforest atmosphere.

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Distance: ~12 km
Estimated Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m
Terrain: Gradual ascent through heath and moorland.

Highlights:

Pass through the Maundi Crater, offering stunning views of Kenya’s interior.
Transition into the moorland zone, with giant lobelias and endless views.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (wooden huts with bunk beds).
Meals:

Breakfast: Freshly prepared by the trekking team.
Lunch: Packed meal during the trek.
Dinner: Hot dinner served at the hut.

Recovery: Hydrate, stretch, and rest to acclimatize at higher altitudes.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Activities:
- Take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (~4,000 m), a striking geological formation.
- Return to Horombo Hut for further acclimatization.

Highlights:

Acclimatization is key to a successful summit attempt.
Learn about the unique flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro’s moorland zone.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Meals:

All meals freshly prepared by your trekking chef.

Recovery: Light activities and plenty of rest to prepare for the next ascent.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Distance: ~10 km
Estimated Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: ~980 m
Terrain: Alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain.

Highlights:

Trek across the Saddle, a vast alpine desert between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Reach Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut (basic shelter).
Meals:

Breakfast: Hot, energy-packed meal.
Lunch: Packed meal on the trail.
Dinner: High-carb dinner to prepare for the summit climb.

Recovery: Rest early in preparation for the midnight summit push.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and Back to Horombo Hut

Distance: ~6 km ascent to Uhuru Peak, ~15 km descent to Horombo Hut.
Estimated Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent.
Elevation Gain: ~1,195 m (ascent), ~2,175 m (descent).

Highlights:

Begin the midnight trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, under the starlit sky.
Pass Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) and Stella Point (5,739 m) en route to the summit.
Witness an unforgettable sunrise over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
Meals:

Light snacks during the summit climb.
Breakfast and lunch at Kibo Hut.
Dinner at Horombo Hut.

Recovery: Sleep deeply after your successful summit.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Moshi

Distance: ~20 km
Estimated Trekking Time: 6-7 hours descent.

Highlights:

Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, celebrating your achievement with a certificate ceremony.
Transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Moshi.
Meals:

Breakfast: At Horombo Hut.
Lunch: Packed lunch on the trail.
Dinner: Optional celebration dinner in Moshi.

Tour Highlights

Comfortable Trekking: Stay in huts with bunk beds, the only route offering such accommodations.
Scenic Diversity: Journey through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Cultural Encounters: Interact with local guides and porters, gaining insights into Tanzanian culture.
Acclimatization Day: Increased chances of a successful summit with an extra day at Horombo Hut.
Unforgettable Summit: Experience a breathtaking sunrise from Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak.

Accommodations

Huts on the Trail: Basic wooden huts with bunk beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas.
Hotels in Moshi: Comfortable mid-range or luxury options for pre- and post-trek relaxation.

Meals

Freshly prepared by trekking chefs, with a focus on high-energy meals.
Breakfasts include porridge, eggs, bread, and coffee/tea.
Dinners feature soups, rice, pasta, and hearty stews.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.

Who Is This Tour For?

Adventure seekers aiming to conquer Africa’s highest peak.
First-time climbers looking for a more comfortable Kilimanjaro experience.
Travelers who prefer huts over camping.

Key Features

Trekking Distance: ~64 km round-trip.
Inclusions:
- Park entry fees and permits.
- Experienced guides, porters, and cooks.
- Hut accommodations on the trail.
- Meals and drinking water during the trek.
- Transfers to and from the trailhead.
Exclusions:
- Personal trekking gear (available for rent).
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Optional oxygen tanks or portable altitude chambers.