6-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
6 Days · Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route", is the oldest and most established trail on Kilimanjaro. It's the only route that offers sleeping huts with beds, mattresses, and dining halls — making it the most comfortable and affordable Kilimanjaro trek.
Unlike camping routes, Marangu uses the same trail for both ascent and descent, giving you a chance to greet fellow climbers along the way. The ascent is gradual and well-acclimatised, though the final day's push to Uhuru Peak remains demanding.
Ideal for trekkers who want a comfortable, budget-friendly climb without camping in tents.
What's Included
- Park fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
- Professional licensed mountain guide and assistant guides
- Experienced cook and porters (1:3 ratio)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water (3-4 litres per day)
- Sleeping in mountain huts with beds and mattresses
- Portable oxygen and pulse oximeter for health monitoring
- Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi
- Government taxes and VAT
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Sleeping bag and personal gear (rentable)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Drinks and personal items
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
- Sleep in huts with real beds — no camping
- Cheapest route on Kilimanjaro
- Most affordable for solo travellers (shared huts)
- Well-marked trail with gradual ascent
- Good for those who dislike sleeping in tents
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 — Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate (1,860m) for registration. Begin your trek through dense rainforest, keeping an eye out for blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Reach Mandara Hut (2,700m) for dinner and overnight in shared A-frame huts.
Day 2: Day 2 — Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Leave the forest and enter open moorland. The trail climbs steadily to Horombo Hut (3,720m) with views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Acclimatisation walk before dinner.
Day 3: Day 3 — Horombo Hut acclimatisation
Acclimatisation day — hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m) and return to Horombo Hut. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push.
Day 4: Day 4 — Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
A long, rocky walk across the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Hut (4,703m). Rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Sleep early.
Day 5: Day 5 — Summit Day: Kibo to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Wake at midnight and begin the steep ascent to Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Day 6 — Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi
Final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your Moshi hotel.