6 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Min Age

5+

Max Pax

30

Tour Price

$ 1,860

Plan Trip To
Africa

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Tour Overview

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola route," holds the distinction of being the oldest and one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. This route traces the steps of the first successful summit by Hans Meyer in 1889. Spanning across Kilimanjaro National Park, the Marangu Route takes climbers through all of the mountain's climatic zones, from lush tropical forests to the harsh alpine desert. One of its unique features is the availability of dormitory-style huts for overnight stays, making it a comfortable option for climbers.

If you're planning to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, between mid-March to late May or late October to late December, the Marangu Route is an excellent choice. The huts provide shelter from the rain, keeping you dry and cozy. The route offers both 5- and 6-day variations, with the 6-day option being a gentler ascent, allowing more time for acclimatization and reducing the difficulty of the climb.

Tour Day By Day

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Where to Stay

On the eastern Marangu route, you will stay in shared wooden huts that accommodate four to six people. A bed in a hut cannot be booked in advance. Instead, a first come, first serve system allows early arrivals to select their preferred hut. The huts have electric lights, mattresses, and basic toilets but no heating. Each camp on this route also has a main building where meals are served.

Tour Detailed Itinerary

Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Kirenga Tours representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group's arrival and departure times.

PLEASE NOTE : Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 1 | Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

  • Elevation: 1,970m to 2,700m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2 | Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

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.

  • Elevation:  (2,700m) to  (3,720m)
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Montane forest transitioning to moorland

Day 3 | Horombo Huts - Acclimatization Day

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.

  • Elevation: Horombo Huts (3,720m)
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours roundtrip
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4 | Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

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.

  • Elevation:  (3,720m) to  (4,703m)
  • Hiking Time: Not specified
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
  • Habitat: Heathland and alpine desert

Day 5 | Summit Day! Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

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.

  • Elevation: Kibo Huts (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 7-8 hours descent
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Very strenuous
  • Habitat: Glacial zone

Day 6 | Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

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.

  • Elevation: (3,720m) to  (1,830m/6,000ft)
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: Not specified
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Day 7 | 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 or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.

Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania

Includes

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
  • Overnight stays in tents
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • Oxygen tank and oximeters
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

Excludes

  • International or Local Flights
  • Optional activities
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

Who Would Enjoy This Experience?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure open to anyone with determination and a reasonable level of fitness, regardless of prior mountaineering experience. From seasoned trekkers seeking their next challenge to first-time climbers eager to push their limits, this journey welcomes adventurers from all walks of life. With various routes tailored to different skill levels and timeframes, Kilimanjaro offers something for everyone, whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner. The key to success lies in proper preparation, including physical training, mental resilience, and acclimatization to altitude. Families, solo travelers, and even groups celebrating milestones often embark on this life-changing journey, supported by expert guides who ensure safety and an unforgettable experience.

When to Experience This Tour!

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during its two distinct dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer the most stable weather, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and less chance of rain, ensuring breathtaking views of the summit and surrounding landscapes. Climbers in January to March can enjoy quieter trails and occasional snow at the peak, creating a magical alpine experience. Meanwhile, June to October aligns with peak travel seasons, where sunny days and starry nights enhance the trek’s appeal. These optimal windows allow adventurers to focus on the climb, relish nature’s beauty, and increase their chances of a successful summit.

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