6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu or 'Coca-Cola' route is the only path up Kilimanjaro with sleeping huts rather than tents, making it a comfortable and popular choice. Six days includes an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo to boost your summit chances.
Highlights
- Sleep in mountain huts with bunk beds, not tents
- Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
- Extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut
- The most gradual and well-established trail
- Same ascent and descent path
- Summit push via Gilman's Point and Kibo Hut
Day by day
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1
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Register at Marangu Gate (1,860m) and trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut at 2,700m (about 4-5 hours). Look for blue monkeys and abundant birdlife. Overnight in huts.
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2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Climb out of the forest into open moorland with giant heathers and lobelias, reaching Horombo Hut at 3,720m (about 5-6 hours). Enjoy views of Mawenzi peak. Overnight in huts.
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3
Acclimatisation day at Horombo
A crucial rest and acclimatisation day. Take a short hike towards the Mawenzi ridge or the Zebra Rocks, climbing high and returning to sleep at Horombo. This extra day markedly improves summit success. Overnight in huts.
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4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the stark alpine desert of 'The Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching Kibo Hut at 4,700m (about 5-6 hours). Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Overnight in huts.
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5
Summit day — Kibo to Uhuru Peak to Horombo
Depart around midnight for the steep climb to Gilman's Point on the crater rim, then along to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m for sunrise (about 6-8 hours up). Descend all the way back to Horombo Hut to sleep. A long day of 12-14 hours.
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6
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descend through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate (about 5-6 hours), collecting your summit certificate. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
What's included
- park and hut fees
- professional mountain guides
- cooks and porters
- all meals on the mountain
- hut accommodation
- rescue fees
- transfers to and from the gate
Not included
- international flights
- Tanzania visa
- travel insurance with high-altitude cover
- personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- tips for the mountain crew
- hotel nights before and after the climb
- drinks and personal items
Tour companies for this trip
For a multi-day trip like this, an operator handles the vehicles, camps and logistics end to end.
Nomad Tanzania
UnclaimedArusha
Luxury mobile & permanent safari camps
Asilia Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Boutique safari camps and lodges
Thomson Safaris
UnclaimedArusha
Northern-circuit safaris with private camps
Wayo Africa
UnclaimedArusha
Walking & active safaris off the beaten track
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