Six Days Marangu Route

6 days—Kilimanjaro climbing

$600-900 USD

pp

Safari summary

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, 6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the oldest route among Kilimanjaro hiking route and most well-established route. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations.

The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route.

However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favoured only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus None
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals
What’s not included?
  • Accommodation
  • Park fees
  • Tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Marangu gate to Mandara huts

Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft Altitude gained: 818m Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through the Village of Machame to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife.

Mandara huts

Mandara huts to Horombo huts

Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft Altitude gained: 998m After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint.

Horombo Hunts

Horombo huts

Kilimanjaro

You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.

Horombo hunts

Horombo huts to Kibo huts

Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4714m/15,466ft Altitude gained: 993m After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Kibo huts

Kibo huts-summit to Horombo huts

Kilimanjaro

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim.

Mweka camp

Horombo huts to Marangu gate

Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft Altitude lost: 1816m After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. !

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