6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. All climbing groups, often from several countries worldwide, share meals in dining huts providing a pleasant and energetic atmosphere.
This route can be done in days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
Scenery
The route offers diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts
Difficulty
Moderate, with a gradual ascent that helps with acclimatization
Accommodations
Huts at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo provide shelter and basic amenities
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,879m/6,000ft) to Mandara Huts (2,720m/8,900ft)
Distance: 8km / 5 Miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 841m / 2775ft
Max. altitude: 2720m / 8976ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
This morning you will travel to the Marangu gate where you will register, before beginning your trek through lush undisturbed forest. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys! The path gradually climbs to your camp, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Mandara Huts is a group of wooden huts in a forest clearing. Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks and solar lighting. Water is piped to the camp from springs above and there are flushing toilets. The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. Alternatively simply rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. Overnight Mandara Huts
Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,720m/8,900ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Distance: 11km / 7 Miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 1000m / 3300ft
Max. altitude: 3720m / 12276ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
From Mandara the trail climbs steeply through a short stretch of forest, soon emerging into grassy moorland. On a clear day, you will catch your first glimpse of Kibo, the summit cone of Kilimanjaro, and the jagged second peak Mawenzi. Climb steadily through the moorland zone, amongst giant heather. After 4 to 6 hours of walking you will reach the hut complex at Horombo where you will have hot washing water, dinner and overnight. Overnight Horombo Huts
Day 3: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Huts (4,720m/15,400ft)
Distance: 9km / 6Miles
Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
Ascent: 1000m / 3300ft
Max. altitude: 47200m / 15576ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert, heading towards the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The terrain is much more open here and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. You will arrive in camp for lunch, which will be followed by a summit briefing, giving you the afternoon to rest before your summit attempt. Evening of rest at Kibo Huts, depart for the summit in the early hours
Day 4: Kibo Huts (4,720m/15,400ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft)
Distance: 21km / 13Miles
Hiking time: 12 – 13 hours
Max. altitude: 5895m / 19454ft
Habitat: alpine Desert / Moorland
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For six to eight hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. Therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. From Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes the hike long and tiring. After summit celebrations, descend to Kibo Huts. Here you will eat, before continuing your descent to Horombo Huts which will seem surprisingly fast. The total time walking is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Overnight Horombo Huts
Day 5: Horombo Huts (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,879m/6,000ft)
Distance: 19km / 12Miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Descent: 1841m / 6075ft
Habitat: Moorland / Montane forest
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through the rain forest. Watch your step, as the trail can be slippery. This trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. At the gate, you will be met and transferred back to your accommodation.
- National park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Guides, cook & porter’s salaries
- Food; drinking water
- Camping equipment
- Accommodation
- Transport to/from park entry gate.
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
