Climbers on the Marangu Route, Mount Kilimanjaro

8 Days (6 on the mountain)Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days

Duration: 8 Days (6 on the mountain)
Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour type: Mountain Climbing
Starts: Kilimanjaro International Airport (Day 1)
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport (Day 8)

THE JOURNEY

Overview

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest and most established route, and many climbers favour it for its gradual slope. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory-style accommodation. This itinerary spends six days on the mountain, including an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, which is highly recommended on the Marangu route. The ascent and descent follow the same path, and the hut accommodation makes Marangu a popular choice during the rainy season. Why choose this route - Hut Accommodation: Stay in dorm-style huts with beds and solar lighting, ideal for trekkers who prefer more comfort over tents. - Gentle Terrain: Gradual slopes make it accessible to climbers with moderate fitness levels. - Historic and Classic Path: The oldest Kilimanjaro route, walked by thousands since the first climbs in the 19th century.

ROUTE MAP

Your journey at a glance

A day-by-day route drawn directly from this itinerary.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

1
Day 1
Arrive in Tanzania
2
Day 2
Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
3
Day 3
Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
4
Day 4
Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut (3700m)
5
Day 5
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
6
Day 6
Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
7
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
8
Day 8
Depart Tanzania

DAY BY DAY

Expedition journey

Day 1

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Meals: No meals Included
Accommodation: Park View Inn (or similar), Moshi

Day 2

Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

At 8am you leave Moshi for Marangu Gate, where you meet the porters, guides and cooks who will trek with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. While your climb is registered and the crew makes final preparations, you wait at the gate. The first stage climbs gently through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest to Mandara Hut. Porters and cooks walk ahead so the hut is ready on your arrival. - Elevation Gain:1,050 meters, 3,445 feet - Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 3

Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. - Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi - Approx. time taken: 9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 4

Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. - Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi - Approx. time taken: 4 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. - Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi - Approx. time taken: 7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 6

Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. - Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi - Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 7

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. - Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi - Approx. time taken: 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included
Accommodation: Park View Inn (or similar), Moshi

Day 8

Depart Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. \*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast Included

PLAN YOUR SAFARI

Rates per person

USD · Per person · Prices depend on travel dates and group size

Route	1 person	2-4 people	5-7 people	8-10 people	11+ people
6 Days Marangu Route	$2,500	$2,100	$1,950	$1,800	$1,650

Rates are per person and exclude international flights.
Prices include two nights in Moshi, one before and one after the climb.

TRIP DETAILS

Inclusions & exclusions

Included

2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees
Camping or hut accommodation fees
Crater fees (if applicable)
Kilimanjaro rescue team fees
High-quality 4-season tents
Double-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
Professional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
Three freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
Filtered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
All government taxes
Portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
English- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
Oximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
Private portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
Mountain communication radio
Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Not Included

Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
Travel insurance
Shower tent (available at an additional cost) -USD 450 for 1 person, USD 300 per person for groups of 2 or more
International and local flights
Laundry services at the hotel
Personal gear, items, and toiletries
Tips for your guides, cooks and porters (suggested: guide USD 20–25, cook USD 15–20, porter USD 10–15 per day)