6 Days – Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations, making it ideal for trekkers seeking comfort and simplicity. This 6-day trek provides a gradual ascent, allowing more time for acclimatization while exploring Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. Known for its scenic beauty, the Marangu Route takes you through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged lunar-like terrain before reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak. Each day of the journey presents new sights and opportunities to experience the unique ecosystems of Africa’s highest mountain. With an acclimatisation day built in, this itinerary is crafted to increase your chances of a successful summit.
| Included |
- Transfers from Arusha to Marangu Gate and back
- Park entry fees and camping fees
- Hut accommodations
- Professional guide, cook, and porters
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Certificate of completion
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| Excluded |
- Flights to/from Tanzania
- Personal gear and clothing
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for crew (recommended $20-$30/day)
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Details
The Marangu Route, often called the "Coca-Cola Route," is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations, making it ideal for trekkers seeking comfort and simplicity. This 6-day trek provides a gradual ascent, allowing more time for acclimatization while exploring Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a morning drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where the trekking team will finalise registration and gear checks. As you start your journey, you’ll hike through a lush rainforest filled with towering eucalyptus trees, ferns, and moss-covered paths. The forest is alive with the sounds of birds and, occasionally, sightings of colobus monkeys swinging through the trees. This day’s hike is fairly moderate, allowing you to adjust to the trail. Arriving at Mandara Hut (2,720m) in the late afternoon, you’ll settle into cosy hut accommodations, enjoy a warm meal prepared by your cook, and have the chance to explore the nearby Maundi Crater for panoramic views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.
After a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut, you’ll embark on today’s hike through moorland, a dramatic change from yesterday’s rainforest. The trail is flanked by giant heathers and unique flora, including the towering lobelias that thrive in the moorland zone. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and the vegetation more sparse, opening up vast landscapes with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, encouraging you to “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) to help your body adjust. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) after 6-7 hours of trekking. After a delicious dinner, spend the evening relaxing and admiring the starlit sky from the comfort of the hut.
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, an essential part of the trek that enhances your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll take a short hike up to Zebra Rocks (about 4,000m), an iconic natural formation with distinctive striped patterns. This trek not only helps your body adapt to the higher altitude but also offers breathtaking views over the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing your body to rest. Enjoy a nourishing meal and take time to review your journey with fellow climbers or simply enjoy the serene mountain landscape.
Your trek today will be a more challenging ascent from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Leaving behind the moorland, you’ll enter the alpine desert zone, a stark yet captivating landscape dotted with rocks and volcanic features. This section of the trek is quieter, with few plants or animals, but the silence and solitude make it a meditative experience. The summit is now in sight, providing inspiration for the final push ahead. After a steady 6-8 hour hike, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, where you’ll have an early dinner before turning in early. Tomorrow’s summit push begins at midnight, so rest is essential.
The most challenging and rewarding day of your journey starts with a midnight wake-up. After a light snack, you’ll begin the ascent under starlight, climbing through a steep and rocky path to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From here, you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise, with the sky lighting up above Africa’s highest peak. The final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and upon reaching the summit, you’ll have a sense of achievement like no other. Take photos at the peak and soak in the panoramic views before beginning the descent back to Kibo Hut. After a rest and lunch, continue down to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved evening of rest.
On the final day, you’ll descend through the moorland and lush rainforest zones, retracing your steps back to Marangu Gate. The descent is easier on the lungs but can be challenging on the knees, so take it at a comfortable pace. At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates, a lasting reminder of your accomplishment. After celebrating with your team, you’ll return to Arusha for an evening of relaxation and celebration.
