6 Days Marangu Route - Chance Venture Tours

Overview

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the most popular and well-established path for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route on the mountain where trekkers stay in huts instead of tents, making it an excellent choice for those planning to hike during the rainy season.

This route takes you through all of Kilimanjaro’s distinct climate zones, from lush rainforests to the glacial ice of the summit, while offering stunning views of Africa’s diverse landscapes. As the most popular route, it can be crowded during the peak seasons (July-September and December-March), but it remains the least expensive option for climbers.

While a 5-day trek is available, we highly recommend the 6-day itinerary to allow for better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

Marangu Route 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb Itinerary

Arrive in Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport)

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Afterward, your guide will brief you about the trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all necessary gear. You will spend the night at the hotel and prepare for the upcoming adventure.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Marangu Gate. After completing the registration formalities, you’ll begin your trek. The hike takes about 5 hours, passing through lush rainforest where you may spot primates such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys. You’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, situated at an altitude of 2700m, and spend the night here.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Distance covered: 12 km
Approximate time taken: 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Horombo Hut. The journey takes about 4-6 hours, passing through moorland. As you ascend, you’ll have fantastic views of Kibo and Mawenzi, the two main peaks of Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to relax and acclimatize before the next stage of the journey.

Day 3: Horombo Acclimatization Day

You will spend the entire day at Horombo Hut to help your body acclimatize to the increasing altitude. This extra day greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit.

In the morning, you’ll take a short trek up to Zebra Rock, which will take about 3 hours. After descending, you’ll return to Horombo Hut in time for lunch and a rest. In the evening, enjoy a short walk along the valley to stretch your legs. This day helps ensure your body adjusts to the altitude and prepares for the summit climb.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance covered: 9 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent toward Kibo Hut. The first part of the trek passes through alpine desert landscapes, where the environment becomes much harsher. You’ll cross the saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo, which offers amazing panoramic views. After arriving at Kibo Hut (4700m), you’ll have an early dinner and rest before the long climb to the summit.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and down to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

This is the big day—the day you will attempt to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro! You’ll wake up at 1:00 AM and begin your climb to Gilman’s Point at 5681m, a journey that will take about 4-5 hours. As you reach the crater rim, the first rays of the sun will light up the land, and you’ll experience one of the most stunning sunrises imaginable. From Gilman’s Point, it’s another 1.5 hours to the summit at Uhuru Peak (5895m).

At the peak, you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the view. Afterward, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a warm lunch and a short rest, then continue your descent to Horombo Hut for your final overnight stay on the mountain.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 13 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

On your final day, you’ll descend through the moorland and the rainforest zones. After stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut, you’ll continue downhill through the tropical forest to Marangu Gate. Once you reach the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, which is a great achievement! A vehicle will then take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your accomplishment.

Then – Depart Tanzania / Explore Other Destinations

After your climb, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight home. If you wish to extend your stay, We can also organize a cultural tour or a safari to some of Tanzania’s most renowned wildlife destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or the Serengeti National Park.

End of Tour

Rates (in USD per person)

No of Pax	Price Per Person
1 Person	$1610 USD
2-4 People	$1450 USD
5-9 People	$1320 USD
10+ People	$1300 USD

Included in the price

2 Nights Hotel in Moshi: Bed & Breakfast
Private transport to / from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Moshi
Qualified guides with mountain crew
National Park fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
Rescue fees
All needs on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Treated water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park authority