← Back to Tanzania Experiences
Moshi · Kilimanjaro Region · Tanzania
6 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route
Starting From
From $1,963.18 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Welcome to our 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route! Embark on this extraordinary mountain adventure and challenge both your mind and body. The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular path to trek Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodations all the way to Uhuru Peak, unlike other routes where you sleep in tents or sleeping bags. The route is relatively steady with gradual slopes, but it is far from easy. It has a low success rate because many trekkers underestimate it, thinking of it as a "Tourist Route." However, this does not mean it is without its challenges. While you don't need camping gear for the Marangu trek, you do need to be physically prepared for the climb. Without proper preparation, there is a significant risk of having to turn back before reaching the summit. The route can be completed in 5 or 6 days, but please note that on the shorter 5-day itinerary, there is no dedicated acclimatization day, which is usually necessary for adjusting to high altitudes. The descent ends at Marangu Gate.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Discover the untouched beauty of Mt. Kilimanjaro
- Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes & test your hiking skills
- Challenging your mind & body on this extraordinary mountain adventure
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Moshi
Transportation. Welcome to your adventure! Moshi – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2700m) – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb: 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.
Continued
Moshi
Hiking at Maundi Crater. 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, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included at Mandara Hut
Day 2
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut – Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb: You leave the glades of the rainforest 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 grounsels. 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
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included at Horombo Hut
Day 3
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. 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 summit climb. Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft Distance: 9km/5.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included at Horombo Hut
Day 4
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Horombo Hut to Zebra Rocks (4020m) back to Horombo Hut (3700m) Up and down. Today will help your body to adapt to the altitude. This section will improve your chance of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you will hike to the Zebra Rocks (4020m) named after distinctive black and white stripes of the rock formation. Returning on the same path, you will be back at Horombo in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore. Overnight again at Horombo Hut.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included at Kibo Hut
Day 5
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m) Today is summit day! You will begin your trek at night when the volcanic ash is still frozen, making the walk easier. Your mountain guide will wake you up, and after some tea and snacks, you'll start the slow ascent to the summit. You'll make a brief stop at Hans Meyer Cave, located at 5220m. Continuing at a "pole pole" (slowly) pace, you should reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater's rim by sunrise. As the warm rays of the sun greet you, you'll continue for another hour or more until you reach the peak. Standing at Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa, you'll be on the "Roof of Africa." After taking some photos and sharing a few moments of celebration, you will begin your descent. The way down will be faster and dustier as the volcanic ash has now thawed. After a few hours, you'll stop at Kibo Hut for a snack and some rest. From there, you'll continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3720m), arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a hearty meal to replenish your energy and rest well to recover.
Continued
Moshi
Accommodation included at Horombo Hut
Day 6
Moshi
Hiking at Mount Kilimanjaro. Horombo Hut (3700m) – Marangu Gate (1860m) – Marangu – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route The final leg of your Kilimanjaro trek passes along the same path that you ascended on – through the heather, red-hot pokers and shrubs of the moorland vegetation zone. You will stop for a cooked lunch at Mandara Hut (2700m).Soon, you will descend into the humid and green forest where you might spot the extravagant tails of the colobus monkeys.
Continued
Moshi
Hiking. We hope you enjoyed your stay! After a total time of six hours hiking, you should reach the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Transfer back to Stella Maris Lodge where a hot shower and fresh clothes, cold beers are waiting.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Moshi Town Full board accommodation on the mountain All park fees Hut fees Oxygen cylinder - only for emergency English speaking guide Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter Mentioned transfers
Not Included
Sleeping bags Gratuities Travel Insurance Visa fees Flight Laundry All meals and drinks in Moshi town
What to Bring
Cash Towel Camera Swimsuit Binoculars Sunglasses Sunscreen Hat Bag for Essentials Passport required Comfortable clothing and footwear
Meeting & Pickup
We will pick you up from your hotel within the area of Moshi.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 10 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Featured Travel