Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route typically takes around 6 days.
The route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular and well-established paths to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. It considered a hard route due of its short duration.
Though the elevation gain is gradual and not strenuous, the short time spent on the mountain means climbers may have a difficult time acclimatizing.
Classic Kilimanjaro- Marangu Route 6 Days Itinerary
The Marangu route is one of the primary routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. It is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its relatively well-developed infrastructure compared to other routes.
Overall, the Marangu route is a great option for climbers who prefer a more straightforward and comfortable trek, with less emphasis on camping and more on hut accommodation. However, climbers should still be well-prepared, physically fit, and mentally ready to tackle the challenges of climbing Africa’s highest peak.
The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes due to its moderate difficulty level and the presence of huts for accommodation.
The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles.
The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days
Marangu Route 6 days Itinerary, Prices & Dates
Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate.
This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High
Starting Gate: Marangu Gate
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 2 hour), register, and commence the climb.
Walk-through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: LD
Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing.
Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals: BLD
Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim.
Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers.
This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim.
Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo Huts.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers.
This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate — Arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your to the Arusha from Moshi.
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your at Arusha for overnight
At the last night of your trekking, we will drop off you at the airport
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route reviews
Inclusive & Exclusive
Inclusions 6-Days Marangu Route
- 5 nights’ mountain accommodation
- All transportation – airport pick up and drop off included
- All park entrances fees
- Professional English speaking Mountain guide & chef
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Mineral water on all days
- All mentioned activities
- All government taxes Price.
- 18% VAT,
- Government increase entry fees
- Rescue fees
- Pre and post-program accommodation for 2 nights
- Camping equipment ( tent, mess table and chairs)
- Airport Pick up and drop off
- Porterage
Exclusions 6-Days Marangu Route
- International flights (from / to home)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Internal flights
- Tips (from 10 USD per person per day for a porter
- A Tips (from 15 USD per person per day for Chefs/ Cooks
- Tips (from 15 USD per person per day for a mountain Guide
- Trekking equipment’s
