6 Days Marangu Route
8 Days Tour, 6 Days On The Mountain 2 Nights Hotel
The Marangu route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the Coca-Cola route due to its popularity and its relative ease, short distance, low cost, and fixed huts for accommodation instead of mobile tents. One interesting fact about the Marangu route is that it is the only route used for both ascending and descending the mountain. However, reaching the summit on this route takes five days, and it requires physical fitness as the hike takes several hours per day and reaches high elevations. To increase the chances of successfully reaching Uhuru peak, we recommend taking six days and spending an extra day at Horombo hut to allow for acclimatization at Zebra Rock, near Mawenzi peak. This additional day significantly improves the chances of reaching the summit.
Day 1: Arrival Tanzania Land
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, our driver will be waiting to welcome you and transport you to the Mbugani Hotel. After settling in, take some time to relax before meeting with your trip guide. During this meeting, your guide will brief you on the upcoming adventure and review your mountain gear to ensure that you have everything you need.
For optimal acclimatization and body recovery after long flights, we strongly advise our clients to take a rest day before starting the climb. This will improve your chances of successfully reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
If you forget any necessary mountain gear, don’t worry. Our store offers rental options for any missing items.
Please note that while we recommend the Mbugani Hotel for the first and last nights of your stay, we offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences, from basic to luxurious. The choice is entirely up to you.

Day 2: From Hotel to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive you to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, passing through the cultivated area of Marangu village. The journey will take about an hour, and we will reach the Marangu Gate, where our ascent to the roof of Africa will commence.
At the gate, there is a designated resting area for our clients while we complete the registration permit and weigh luggage. Once these formalities are completed, we will be ready to start the hiking portion of the journey.
- Marangu gate-1830M
- Mandara Hut -2700M/8858FT
- Altitude gain -870M/2854FT
- Distance – 8KM/ 5MLS
- Hiking Time – 4-5 HOURS
- Climate zone – mountain forest
- Difficult – Easy
We will embark on our journey from the Marangu gate, passing through the captivating rainforest where we can admire the exquisite flora and fauna. Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking Impatiens Kilimanjaro, a flower that can only be found on the illustrious Mount Kilimanjaro. As we trek, we may also catch glimpses of various wildlife, including the Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and a variety of exotic birds.
Our first night will be spent in the cozy Mandara Hut, which offers fixed accommodations with access to solar energy and modern flushing toilets. If time allows, we can explore the small yet enchanting Maundi Crater after reaching the Mandara Hut.
Accommodations: Fixed Huts
Meals: evening tea, dinner and Breakfast
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Mandara Hut -2700M/8858FT
- Horombo Hut -3720M/12204FT
- Altitude gain -1020M/3346FT
- Distance -11KM7MLS
- Hiking time -7-8HOURS
- Climatic zone -HEATHER
- Difficult- MEDIUM
To prepare for a long day of hiking, we will begin our trek earlier. Our journey will start in the captivating rainforest and continue along an ascending path through the heathland, leading us to a majestic lobelia. We will then enter an open moorland, where small shrubs dominate the vegetation.
We will take a midday break to enjoy our lunch and, on a clear day, witness the awe-inspiring Kibo peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Mawenzi peak, the second volcanic cone on the mountain. After a challenging yet rewarding day of trekking, we will arrive at the Horombo Huts, where we can rest and recharge for the night.
Accommodations: Fixed Huts
Meals: evening tea, dunner and breakfast
Day 4: Stay at Horombo Hut
On this day, you have the option to spend a full day and an additional night at the Horombo Huts. You can choose to rest at the hut, allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude, or take a leisurely stroll up to the Zebra Rock near Mawenzi base camp before returning to the Horombo Hut.
This extra day provides an excellent opportunity to acclimate to the altitude and gain a better understanding of the mountain weather conditions. Taking advantage of this day can significantly increase your chances of successfully reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation: fixed hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner
Day 5: From Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Horombo hut -3720m/12204ft
- Kibo hut -4700m/15410ft
- Altitude gain -980m/3206ft
- Distance – 10km/6mls
- Hiking time -6-7hours
- Climatic zone -alpine desert
- Difficult -medium
After a hearty breakfast, we will begin our trek from the Horombo Hut towards the Kibo Hut, where we will establish our base camp in anticipation of the final summit attempt. During this challenging climb, we will gain an altitude of almost 1000m, passing by the final water point and through a garden of towering senecios at an elevation of 4130m. As we push forward, we will reach the saddle point, which offers magnificent views of both the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Staying hydrated is crucial, so we will ensure to drink plenty of water throughout the trek, and during the early dinner, we will consume a sufficient amount of water to prepare our bodies for the high altitude. We will spend the night at the Kibo Hut, where we will rest and regain our energy before embarking on the final leg of the ascent to the summit in the middle of the night.
Accommodation: in fixed hut
Meals: lunch ,dinner and Breakfast
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Kibo Hut -4700M/15410Ft
- Uhuru Peak -5895M/19340Ft
- Altitude Gain -1195M/3930Ft
- Distance-22Km/14Mls
- Hiking Time -14Hours
- Difficult -Yes
- Climatic Zone – Arctic To Moorland
The climbing team will wake you up at midnight with a warm cup of tea and light snacks to energize you for the long hike ahead. Take your time to dress warmly and pack your daypack, as you will be trekking in the darkness for 5-7 hours, relying on headlamps to light your way. Slowly and steadily, you will make your way to Gilman’s Point (5685m/18652ft), and then onward to Stella Point, where you can take a short break to warm up with some hot tea. The temperature will be near freezing, so make sure to dress in warm layers. After a 45-minute hike, you will reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak (5895m/19340ft). Here, you will witness an incredible sunrise and take in the breathtaking panoramic view. We will take some time to celebrate and capture the moment with photographs before beginning the descent back to Kibo Hut. After a two-hour rest and lunch, we will continue the descent to the Horombo Hut for our overnight stay. This will undoubtedly be a challenging and unforgettable day of your life.
Accommodation: fixed hut
Meals: dinner and breakfast
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Horombo Hut -3720M/12204Ft
- Marangu Gate -1830M/6003Ft
- Altitude Gain -1890M/6201Ft
- Distance -18Km/11Mls
- Asceding Time -6-7Hours
- Diffeculit -Easy But Long
- Climatic Zone From Heather To Forest
Following breakfast, we will commence our descent, trekking through the lush montane forest and moorland. We will arrive at the gate around midday, where our mountain crew will join us in celebrating our triumph by singing and dancing. Those who successfully made it to the summit will be presented with mountain certificates. After tipping the mountain crew, we will be transferred to Moshi town for lunch, and then to the hotel for our overnight stay.
Day 8: Kilimanjaro Airport.
You have the option to either be transferred to the airport for your flight home or connect to another destination such as a day trip, safari with Rashad Adventure, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. It’s your choice how you’d like to spend your day.
Inclusions
- Park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue Fee
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- All Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A Professional mountain guide
- All Taxes/VAT
- All Airport and between the gate and hotel transfers
- All Meals
- Drinking water
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
Exclusions
- International Flights (from/to home)
- Travel Insurance
- Visa Fees
- Tips/ Gratuities
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Alcohol…)
- Climbing Gear – can be hired before the climb
- Sleeping Bag – can be hired before the climb
Kilimanjaro Climb Itineraries
7 Days Machame Route
7 Days Lemosho Route
6 Days Marangu Route
6 Days Rongai Route
7 Days Shira Route
8 Days Northern Circuit Route
6 Days Kilimanjaro Mountain Biking
5 Days Kilimanjaro Mountain Biking
Tanzania Safari Itineraries
4 Days Zebra Adventure
7 Days, 6 Nights Tembo Safari
12 Days, 11 Nights Pumba Safari
6 Days, 5 Nights Royal Tour Adventure
4 Days, 3 Nights Test Tanzania Safari
7 Days, 6 Nights Unforgettable Tanzania Safari
More information about Mount Kilimanjaro
Mountain Sickness
Mountain Crew
Quick facts about Kilimanjaro
Preparation and training before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing equipment and packing list
Getting to Tanzania
Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing Safety
How much does it cost to climb Mount Kili?
Kilimanjaro Wildlife
Is it possible to combine mountain, safari and Beach holiday?
Definitely yes, you can have the combo package that includes mountain Kilimanjaro trekking, safari and Beach holiday. We are always ready to design the program for you that may get you not skip any of Tanzania’s iconic landmark. There is two designings we offer according to the client’s budget.
I. One week-long mountain Kilimanjaro/ Meru trekking and multi-day safari or Beach holiday
II. Shorter program with prime focus on one of the three.
In the second one, you can choose where you would like to spend most of your time, its either in mountain Kilimanjaro/ Meru trekking, safari or Beach holiday.
We are always here to make sure you get the best out of your journey, lets us know your interests.