6 Days Marangu Route
Overview
The 6 Days Marangu Route, known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only path on Kilimanjaro with hut accommodations, making it a comfortable and popular choice. The gradual ascent and well–established trail offer an easier, steady climb through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With an extra acclimatization day, this route provides a higher chance of success and a smoother trekking experience.
Route Facts
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: 80%–85%
Start: Marangu Gate (1,860m)
End: Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Best Months: January–March & June–October
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your journey begins at Marangu Gate for registration before entering the lush rainforest. The trail is shaded, scenic, and ideal for a gentle start. Look out for colobus monkeys and vibrant forest birds along the way.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 12 km
Habitat: Moorland
You leave the forest behind and climb into open moorland, with clear views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The gradual ascent offers great acclimatization, arriving at Horombo Hut in the afternoon.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization Day – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours (optional hike)
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Zone
A full acclimatization day is spent exploring the surrounding terrain, often with a short hike toward Mawenzi. This extra day improves your summit success rate and allows more time to rest and adjust.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Kibo Hut (4,720m)
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trail crosses the “Saddle,” a wide desert stretch between Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape is open and dramatic. You arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon—your base camp before the summit push.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Distance: ~22 km
Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
The summit attempt begins just after midnight. You ascend to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) → Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 20 km
Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest
A long but enjoyable descent takes you back through the moorland and forest to Marangu Gate, where you collect your summit certificate and meet your driver for the return to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Why Choose the 6 Days Marangu Route
Comfortable hut accommodation
Gentle, steady trail suitable for many hikers
Extra acclimatization day improves success
Classic, well-established route
Scenic and historic path to Uhuru Peak
Included in the price
✅ 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (Bed & Breakfast)
✅ Private transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
✅ Qualified, professional mountain guides and full support crew
✅ All Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping & crew fees)
✅ 18% VAT on all tour services
✅ All camping accommodations on the mountain
✅ High-quality, four-season mountain tents
✅ All ground transport to and from the trailhead
✅ Rescue fees as required by the park authority
✅ All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
✅ Guide and porter accommodations plus their mountain entry fees
✅ Daily health checks using a pulse oximeter
✅ First aid kit carried by the lead guide
✅ Emergency oxygen cylinder for altitude-related issues
✅ Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
✅ Treated, safe drinking water throughout the trek
✅ Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Not included in the price
❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
❌ Private portable toilet (available for $120 per group)
❌ Laundry services