6 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Overview

The Marangu route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route as you can get a bottle of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original route established to climb Kilimanjaro. It is often billed as one of the easier walking routes – however, according to KINAPA it suffers from the lowest success rate (42%) as too many climbers try to do it in only 5 days and fail because of poor acclimatization. Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, the Marangu route uses the same ascent and descent route which means it is less scenic than the other routes.

For climbers who do not wish to camp, then Marangu is the only route that offers dormitory-style hut accommodation. The huts have a communal dining room, simple washrooms and toilets which lower down will be flushable, but as you move higher up the mountain will be “long drop” loos. Although some climbers like the idea of staying in the huts rather than camping you need to remember that on the Marangu route you will be sharing the hut with lots of other climbers in open dormitory accommodation. The hut accommodation also means the Marangu route is one of the best routes to make the attempt on Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.

The Marangu route is a good six day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more difficult 5 day ascent along the Marangu route.

Tour Itinerary

Arrival Day | Arrival in Kilimanjaro

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by Kermali Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

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 | Departure or Extend the Adventure

Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.

Tour Route Map

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Tour Includes & Excludes

Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
Park fees.
Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
18% VAT.
4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
Camping tables (On camping routes only).
Solar lighting in dining tent.
Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
Altitude sickness checklist.
Full trip and safety briefing.
Fully stocked first aid kit.
Wash basin for each climber at camp.
Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
Snacks upon arrival in camp.
Drinking water and fruit juices.
Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn OR Sal Salinero Hotel depending on availability.

Tips.
Visas.
Airline tickets.
Airport transfers.
Airport taxes.
Laundry.
Insurances.
Items of a personal nature.
Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)

Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
Park fees.
Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
18% VAT.
4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
Camping tables (On camping routes only).
Food resupply (Once on trek).
Solar lighting in dining tent.
Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
Hyperbaric presuure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
Chemical toilet (1 per every 5 pax).
Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
AED heart saving machine.
Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
Altitude sickness checklist.
Full trip and safety briefing.
Fully stocked first aid kit.
Wash basin for each climber at camp.
Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
Snacks upon arrival in camp.
VHF radios.
Drinking water and fruit juices.
Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
Food resupply (once on trek).
2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.

Tips.
Visas.
Airline tickets.
Airport transfers.
Airport taxes.
Laundry.
Insurances.
Items of a personal nature.
Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)

Private transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
Park fees.
Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
18% VAT.
4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
2 Foam camping mattresses for each client (On camping routes only).
Camping chairs (On camping routes only).
Camping tables (On camping routes only).
Hot water bottle for sleeping bag.
Personal porter for carrying day packs.
Bottled water throughout the climb.
Food resupply (Once on trek).
Solar lighting in dining tent.
Solar lighting in sleeping tent.
Kilimanjaro Map for each client.
Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
Hyperbaric pressure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
Chemical toilets (1 per every 5 pax).
Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients. (B/L/D).
AED heart saving machine.
Souveniers for each client after the climb.
Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
Altitude sickness checklist.
Full trip and safety briefing.
Fully stocked first aid kit.
Wash basin for each climber at camp.
Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
Snacks upon arrival in camp.
VHF radios.
Bottled drinking water and fruit juices.
Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.

Tips.
Visas.
Airline tickets.
Airport transfers.
Airport taxes.
Laundry.
Insurances.
Items of a personal nature.
Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)