Overview

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Travelers: 2 – 15 guests
• Language: English

The 6-day Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers accommodation in mountain huts rather than tents, providing added comfort, especially during the rainy season.

This route allows climbers to enjoy impressive views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks while following a well-established trail. The extra day in the 6-day itinerary improves acclimatization compared to the shorter version, increasing summit success rates and making the climb more manageable.

Covering approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles), the 6-day Marangu Route is an excellent choice for first-time climbers, beginners, and those who prefer more comfortable trekking conditions while still experiencing the challenge of Africa’s highest mountain.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park. You will then begin your ascent into the rainforest. During this section of the hike, you should expect rain, mud, and fog. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife, including Colobus monkeys! After 3-4 hours of ascending, you will reach the Mandara Hut (2700m). Each hut has 6-8 sleeping bunks (sleeps 60 hikers total) with solar-generated lighting. Next to the central hut, there are flush toilets. The porters, who arrive at the campsite before the clients, will boil water for drinking and washing. The chef will prepare a snack and then dinner for the clients. At nighttime, mountain temperatures may drop to freezing so be prepared.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi. Several hours after lunch, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude. You’ll then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization Day

At Horombo Hut, you will spend the day allowing your body to acclimate to high altitude. You will have the option of doing a day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) for further acclimatization with your guide. Breakfast and dinner will be at the hut and lunch will either be packed or at the hut depending on your preference for the day.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m). The upper route is the same trail used the previous day for the day hike to Mawenzi Hut. The lower route is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance.

Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. There is no water at this camp, but hikers can buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 7:00 pm.

Day 5: Summit Attempt

Your guide will wake you around 11:30 pm for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You’ll continue your ascent to Gillman’s Point (5681m). From here, you continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

After reaching the summit, you will take photos and rest briefly before descending to Kibo Hut for hot lunch. After resting, you continue down to Horombo Hut (3720m) for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Arusha City

After breakfast, there will be a celebration with dancing and singing. You will present tips to your mountain crew. Then descend for about 6 hours to Marangu Gate (1980m), where you receive your summit certificates.

• Green certificate: Gillman’s Point (5681m)
• Gold certificate: Uhuru Peak (5895m)

Afterward, you will drive back to Arusha for showers and final celebrations.

Includes

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Park fees
• All activities (Trekking)
• All accommodation
• Camping equipment
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excludes

• Climbing gear
• International flights (From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Sleeping bag
• Bath towels
• Tips
• Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees