Mount Kilimanjaro

6 days—Marangu Route

From

$1900 USD

Get quote

Quick to reply to quote requests!

Safari summary

Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.

Summit night from Kibo Hut is steep and passes Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.

Duration: 5 or 6 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Good
Traffic: High

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, March, May, June, July, August, September, November, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Begin your adventure at Marangu Gate (1,860m) with a quick briefing and park registration. Hike through rich rainforest with towering trees, exotic birds, and playful monkeys. The cool forest trail leads to Mandara Hut (2,700m) after about 4–5 hours. After settling in, you can visit Maundi Crater for scenic views of the plains below and Mount Kenya in the distance.

Overnight:Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail enters the heath and moorland zone, filled with unique plants like giant lobelias and groundsels. Clear skies reveal Mawenzi Peak rising sharply ahead. The 6–8 hour trek brings you to Horombo Hut (3,720m) where you’ll enjoy a warm meal, breathtaking mountain views, and a good night’s rest.

Overnight:Horombo Hut

Acclimatization at Horombo Hut

This is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. After breakfast, take a half-day hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m), named for their striped patterns. Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks while your guide shares mountain stories and geology. Return to Horombo Hut for lunch and rest, preparing you for higher altitudes ahead.

Overnight:Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After an early breakfast, trek through the alpine desert zone. The trail passes giant boulders and crosses the expansive saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The air becomes thin, so slow, steady progress is important. After about 6–7 hours, arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m) for an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Overnight:Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.

Wake around midnight for the most challenging part of the climb. Trek by headlamp up steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), then continue past Stella Point (5,756m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Catch the incredible sunrise, take photos, and celebrate this life-changing moment. Descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night.

Overnight:Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final day is a long descent through the moorland and rainforest. Pass Mandara Hut, and enjoy spotting monkeys and birds as you return to Marangu Gate after 5–7 hours of hiking. Collect your climbing certificate and celebrate your achievement before transferring back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight:Salinelo Hotel

Here are the latest 6 tours by Kilimanjaro Umoja Tours. See all 17 tours.