6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, marangu Route

$1,372

About this tour

The 6-day Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro trail with hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for trekkers seeking a more comfortable climb. This classic route follows a gradual ascent, passing through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and volcanic landscapes before reaching the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Unlike other trails, you’ll stay in wooden mountain huts with bunk beds, offering a warmer and drier experience compared to tent camping. With an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, this itinerary improves your chances of successfully reaching the summit while allowing you to fully enjoy the journey.

This route provides stunning scenery along the way, from the towering trees of Marangu Forest to the Mawenzi volcanic peak and the breathtaking glaciers of Kibo. The well-maintained trail makes it accessible to both beginner and experienced hikers, but the final summit push remains a challenging and rewarding feat. The Marangu Route’s round-trip format (ascending and descending on the same path) offers a unique opportunity to retrace your steps and appreciate the changing landscapes on your descent. With expert guides and well-planned logistics, this trek ensures a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

Best for

Adventure Lovers
Bird Watchers
Explorers
Honeymooners
Landscapes
Mountaineers

Highlight

PAX

Any group size

Accommodation

Hotels

Tour Type

Private group tour

Transport

VAN

Start

Arusha

End

Arusha

Minimum Age

15

What Makes This Trip Special?

Unlike other routes, you’ll stay in mountain huts with bunk beds, offering a warmer, drier, and more comfortable experience compared to tent camping.

The Marangu Route features a gentle ascent with a clearly defined path, making it one of the easier routes to navigate, ideal for beginners and those who prefer a steady climb.

This 6-day itinerary includes an additional night at Horombo Hut, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude and increase your chances of reaching the summit.

Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route uses the same trail for ascent and descent, allowing you to retrace your journey and appreciate the landscapes from a new perspective.

Best time

JAN

FEB

MAR

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DEC

Tour Map

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Your adventure begins with arrival in Moshi, the gateway town to Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and meet your experienced trekking guide, who will conduct a detailed briefing about the climb. This includes checking your gear, discussing the route, and answering any last-minute questions. If you need to rent any trekking equipment, this is the perfect time to do so. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

  • Meals: Full Board

Day 2: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

  • Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Habitat: Rainforest

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marangu Gate (1,860m), where you’ll complete registration before starting your trek. The hike begins through the lush rainforest, where you may spot Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and various exotic birds. The trail is well-defined, offering a gradual and scenic ascent towards Mandara Hut (2,700m). Upon arrival, you can take a short hike to the Maundi Crater, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. After dinner, enjoy a comfortable night in the wooden huts.

  • Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
  • Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape transitions into heath and moorland, with giant lobelias and senecios dominating the scenery. As you ascend, the air becomes thinner, but the path remains manageable with a moderate incline. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones. After a steady trek, you’ll reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you will spend the night. This hut is much larger and often busy with climbers both ascending and descending the mountain.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
  • Optional Hike: 4,200m to Zebra Rocks
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

To improve acclimatization, you will spend an extra night at Horombo Hut. Today includes an optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,200m), a striking rock formation with black-and-white stripes caused by mineral deposits. This short hike allows your body to adapt to the altitude while enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak. After returning to Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

  • Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes you into the sparse and rugged alpine desert, where vegetation is minimal, and the landscape is dominated by rocks and volcanic dust. You’ll pass the Saddle, a vast, barren area between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, before reaching Kibo Hut (4,703m). The high altitude makes this stretch more demanding, and it’s essential to stay hydrated and move at a steady pace. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and get some rest, as the summit attempt begins at midnight.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
  • Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
  • Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
  • Habitat: Arctic zone (summit), alpine desert (descent)

Summit night begins around midnight, with headlamps lighting the way as you slowly ascend the steep, zigzagging path toward Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the climb, due to the freezing temperatures and thin air. From Gilman’s Point, you’ll push forward to Stella Point (5,756m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit as the sun rises over the continent is an unforgettable experience.

After capturing photos and taking in the incredible views, you’ll begin your descent back to Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you’ll have a well-earned rest after a grueling but rewarding day.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi

  • Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
  • Habitat: Heath and rainforest

After breakfast, you’ll trek back down to Marangu Gate, retracing your steps through the moorland and rainforest. Once at the gate, you will receive your summit certificates before driving back to Moshi for a well-deserved shower and celebration. You can spend the evening relaxing at your hotel or exploring the town before departing the next day.

This marks the end of an incredible Kilimanjaro adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s highest peak.

  • Meals:

End of this tour

Tour Price

1 Person

2 people

3 people

4 people

5 people

6 people

7 people

$1,837

$1,459

$1,437

$1,428

$1,417

$1,391

$1,372

9 – 18 people

$1,350

Included

2 nights’ accommodation

Professional, experienced, mountain;

All Park fees and Rescue fees

All meals while on the Mountain

Arrival and Departure transfers

Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Fair and ethical treatment of porters

Excluded

Tanzania Visa

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc)

Optional Tours

Tips and any items of personal nature

International and Local Flights

Yellow fever vaccinations

General tour information

  • Travelers to Tanzania are required to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. You can apply online through the Tanzania eVisa portal or get a visa at designated entry points, including airports and border crossings.
  • Single-entry visa: $50 (most nationalities)
  • US citizens: $100 for a multiple-entry visa
  • Visa on arrival: Available but may involve long queues
  • Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry
  • Yellow fever vaccination: Required if traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission
  • For the latest visa regulations, check with the Tanzania
  • Immigration Services website or your local Tanzanian embassy.

  • To secure your spot on the Machame Route trek, we recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–October and December–March).
  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.
  • Final payment: Due at least 30 days before arrival.
    Group & private treks: Available upon request.
  • Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a detailed itinerary, packing list, and travel tips to help you prepare for the climb.

  • We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
    30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
  • No-show or early departure: No refund.
  • We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

  • Accommodation during the Machame Route trek consists of mountain camping in high-quality, all-weather tents.
  • Before & after the trek: Comfortable lodges/hotels in Arusha or Moshi.
  • During the trek: Tents are set up at designated campsites along the route.
  • Sleeping arrangements: Twin-shared tents with sleeping mats provided.
  • Lodges and hotels in Moshi/Arusha can fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your pre- and post-trek accommodations in advance.

  • Best time to trek: Dry seasons (June–October & December–March) offer the best conditions.
  • Altitude sickness: The Machame Route allows for good acclimatization, but climbers should be aware of AMS symptoms.
  • Porters & guides: Our treks include experienced guides, porters, and cooks to support you throughout the climb.
  • Tipping guidelines: Recommended tip per climber is $200–$300, distributed among guides, porters, and cooks.
  • For any further inquiries or special requests, feel free to contact us. We look forward to guiding you to the Roof of Africa!

  • International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.
  • Alternative Airports:
    1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
    2. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar
    3. From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

  • International flights: Check baggage allowance with your airline.
  • Domestic flights: Usually allow 15kg (33 lbs) of luggage, including carry-on.
  • Trekking gear:Porters will carry a duffel bag (max 15kg/33 lbs).
  • You can store extra luggage at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
  • A daypack (5–7kg/11–15 lbs) is recommended for essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
  • Physical Preparation: The Machame Route is a strenuous trek, and we recommend training 2–3 months in advance with:Cardio workouts (running, cycling, swimming)
  • Strength training (leg and core exercises)
  • Hiking practice (with a weighted backpack)
  • Altitude Sickness: The route offers good acclimatization, but symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness can still occur.Prevention: Drink plenty of water, ascend slowly, and consider taking Diamox (acetazolamide) with a doctor’s approval.

Tanzania’s weather varies based on the season and altitude.

Best time to trek:

  • Dry seasons: June–October & December–March (clear skies, less rain)
  • Wet seasons: April–May & November (more challenging but fewer crowds)

Temperature variations:

  • Moshi (base town): 25–30°C (77–86°F)
  • Machame Camp (first campsite): 10–15°C (50–59°F)
  • Summit (Uhuru Peak): -7 to -20°C (19 to -4°F)

Expect warm temperatures at lower altitudes and freezing conditions at the summit.

Essential Gear

  • Hiking Boots: Waterproof, well-broken-in boots with ankle support
  • Backpack: 30–40L daypack for daily essentials
  • Duffel Bag: 90L waterproof bag for porters to carry

Clothing (Layering System)

  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal shirts & leggings
  • Insulation Layer: Fleece or down jacket for warmth
  • Outer Shell: Waterproof & windproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking Pants: Convertible or softshell trekking pants
  • Gloves & Hat: Insulated gloves, balaclava, and beanie

Sleeping & Accessories

  • Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F)
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable poles for stability
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries for summit night
  • Water Bottles & Hydration Pack: At least 3L capacity
  • Sunglasses & Sunscreen: High-altitude UV protection

For a detailed packing list, we will provide a comprehensive checklist upon booking.

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