Marangu Route - 6 Days Trek

– Trek Overview

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.

  • Start/End : Moshi, Kilimanjaro
  • Trek Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights
  • Difficulty : Medium
  • Scenery : Good
  • Traffic : High
  • Departure Date : All year round

– Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 1 : Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

DAY 2 : Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

Elevation: 9000ft to 12,100ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 11 kms
Habitat: Healthland

After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You will start to feel the effects of the altitude.
If you wish to extend you trek, here you can spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

DAY 3 : Horombo Hut - Mawenzi Ridge - Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Health

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft | Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Heath

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

DAY 4 : Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

DAY 5 : Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 6 km/4 miles | Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 16 km | 10 miles | Habitat: Health

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6 : Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

– Routine Map

  • Day 1: Mandara Hut
  • Day 2: Horombo Hut
  • Day 3: Mawenzi Ridge
  • Day 4: Kibo Hut
  • Day 5: Uhuru Peak
  • Day 6: Marangu Gate

– Trekking Cost Includes

  • All government taxes including 18% VAT
  • Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Arusha or Moshi
  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro entrance gate
  • Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
  • Guides, Porters and Cook salaries
  • All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Filtered water throughout the trek
  • Mountain equipment and gear – tents, Sleeping Mats, mess tent, table and chairs
  • All national park gate fees for visitors and also for the supportive mountain crew (entrance, camping, rescue)

– Trekking Cost Excludes

  • International and local airfare.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations
  • Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
  • Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for the support team
  • Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
  • Private Toilet and hot shower tent
  • Local transport before & after the climb.
  • Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary

– Enquiries and Requests

Enquire: Marangu Route - 6 Days Trek