6 Day Marangu Route - Tanzania Kilimanjaro Trekking

Embark on a 6-day Marangu Route trek to Mount Kilimanjaro, the only route with hut accommodations. Enjoy scenic trails, lush rainforests, and breathtaking summit views on this unforgettable Kilimanjaro trekking adventure.

Overview

The 6-day Marangu Route is one of the most popular and direct ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of camping, making it an excellent choice for trekkers looking for added comfort.

This trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, before reaching the icy summit at Uhuru Peak. With an extra day for acclimatization, this itinerary improves summit success rates while ensuring a memorable experience.

Detailed 6 Day Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

•Transfer to your hotel in Moshi for briefing, gear check, and trek preparation.

•Rest and overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Altitude: ~900m (2,950ft)

Day 2: Moshi – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)

•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

•Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

• Elevation Gain: 840m

Your adventure begins with a short drive to Marangu Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities. The trek starts in the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife. You’ll reach Mandara Hut, your first overnight stay, near Maundi Crater with stunning views of Kenya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

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

•Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

•Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles

• Elevation Gain: 1,020m

Hike through heath and moorland, where trees give way to giant lobelias and senecios. As you ascend, the view of Mawenzi Peak becomes more prominent. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and a well-earned rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

To increase your chances of reaching the summit, today is an acclimatization day. A short hike to Mawenzi Ridge (4,400m) offers stunning views and helps with altitude adjustment before returning to Horombo Hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,703m)

•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

•Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

• Elevation Gain: 983m

Today’s trek crosses the Saddle, a barren alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, and prepare for the summit attempt at midnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

• Summit Hike Time: 6-8 hours

•Descent Time: 6-8 hours

•Distance: 22 km / 14 miles (total)

• Elevation Gain: 1,192m

• Elevation Loss: 2,175m

At midnight, begin the summit push via Gilman’s Point (5,685m) to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Witness an unforgettable sunrise over the glaciers before descending back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi

•Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

•Distance: 20 km / 12.5 miles

• Elevation Loss: 1,860m

Descend through lush rainforests back to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxing morning in Moshi before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or continuing your Tanzanian adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Includes

All taxes and VAT applicable
All National Park conservation, park entry, camping or hut and rescue fees as applicable
Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking mountain guide
1 x luggage porter carrying luggage of 15kg per person for Kilimanjaro / 12kg per person for Meru
Specialist tent crew to service and set up campsites
Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter
All meals on the mountain and eating utensils, cutlery, bowls, cups, etc.
Pre-climb briefing and equipment check with the guide/tour consultant in Moshi
1 x transfer from a Moshi based lodge to park gates per group
1 x transfer from park gates to a Moshi based lodge per group
Crew transportation for remote gates (Londrossi / Rongai)
Luggage storage while on trek
Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st hut/camp onwards)
1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per group (excluding STTK15 and K15+1, Mt. Meru) and first aid kit
Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter
Hand washing station, sanitizers, and small personal washbasin at campsites
Shared public toilet facilities at huts or public campsites
1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag/packsack
Basic sleeping mattress per person (provided by the park for hut routes
Shared use of Mountain huts (sharing) or Four season tents (sharing for even-numbered groups + 1 single tent for odd numbers), chairs, tables, dining tent for camping routes
Private portable toilet (inc. toilet, toilet tent, porter to carry / clean, toilet rolls)

Trip Excludes

Tips / gratuities
Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol, etc.
International flights
Insurance
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Water on the first day of the trek
Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders, etc. (note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)

Tailor-made is our business

Our Tanzania itineraries are like the spots on a leopard’s coat – each one is different. We’ll tailor-make your trip to suit your individual needs rather than simply asking you to choose.