Luxury & Budget Safaris Across Tanzania
The 6 Days Marangu Route Trek is one of the most popular and accessible ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro route that uses permanent mountain huts instead of camping tents.
This itinerary allows extra time for acclimatization compared with the shorter Marangu option. You'll trek through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and the high-altitude summit zone before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
The route follows the same trail for both ascent and descent, making it a straightforward option for trekkers who prefer hut accommodation.
Elevation: 1,860 m → 2,720 m
Distance: ~8 km
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast in Moshi, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and final preparations.
Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, surrounded by tropical vegetation and beautiful birdlife. The trail gradually climbs through the forest toward Mandara Hut.
After arrival, settle into your mountain hut and enjoy dinner before resting for the night.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 2,720 m → 3,720 m
Distance: ~12 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone.
The trail opens up to spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks as you gradually gain altitude.
Continue toward Horombo Hut, one of the largest mountain camps on Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,720 m → ~4,300 m → 3,720 m
Distance: ~5 km
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Today is an important acclimatization day.
After breakfast, take a short trek toward the Mawenzi Ridge area. This allows you to climb to a higher altitude before returning to sleep at Horombo Hut.
Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the surrounding landscape.
Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the next stage of the climb.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,720 m → 4,703 m
Distance: ~10 km
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, cross the Saddle, a broad alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as you approach the final summit base.
Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon. Have an early dinner and rest because your summit attempt will begin around midnight.
Your guides will provide a summit briefing and check your equipment.
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance: ~22 km
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Moorland
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek.
Wake around midnight and begin your summit ascent under the stars.
The trail climbs slowly toward Gilman's Point on the crater rim. Continue along the crater rim toward Stella Point before making the final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m.
Celebrate your achievement at the highest point in Africa and take photographs with the summit sign.
After enjoying the summit, descend back toward Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m
Distance: ~20 km
Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the moorland and rainforest.
Continue to Marangu Gate, where you'll complete the park exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate if you successfully reached the required summit point.
Your vehicle will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
End of Trek