6 Days Marangu Route Climb

Itinerary overview

The 6-Day Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Following the trail of Hans Meyer’s first successful summit in 1889, this route passes through all of Kilimanjaro’s climatic zones, from tropical forests to alpine deserts. It is the only route offering dormitory-style huts for overnight stays. The Marangu route is ideal during the rainy seasons (mid-March to late May and late October to December), as the huts provide shelter. Available in 5- and 6-day options, the 6-day variation is easier and more suitable for beginners. While it offers scenic views, the shared ascent and descent paths can make the trail crowded with limited scenery variety.

6 Days Marangu Route

Itinerary in Details:

 

Day 1 : Airport Transfer & Pre-Trek Briefing

After arrival to the Airport we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for accommodation.
Pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Arusha. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent trekking equipment which is needed.

  • Accommodation : Arusha Planet Lodge
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 2 : Arusha To Mandara Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending via on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 3 : Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland

  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 4 : Rest Day At Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 0km/0mi

Hiking Time: 0 hours

Habitat: Heathland

  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 5 : Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Accommodation: Kibo Hut
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 6 : Kibo Hut To Summit To Horombo

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

  • Accommodation: Horombo Hut
  • Meal Plan : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 7 : Horombo Hut Via Marangu Gate To Hotel In Arusha

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or for accommodation.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

  • Accommodation : Outpost Lodge
  • Meal Plan : Bed & Breakfast

 

Day 8 : Airport Transfer

After one last breakfast, your driver will collect you from the lodge at a time previously arranged time in order to take you to the airport in good time for your return flight or onward travel arrangements.

 

What’s Included

  •  Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  •  Sleeping Mattress
  •  Sleeping bag
  •  Guide Pulse Oxymeter
  •  Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  •  First Aid Kit Box
  •  Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  •  Professional mountain guides
  •  Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
  •  All meals while on the Mountain
  •  All transfers according to the itinerary
  •  Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  •  Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  •  Camping fees (part of park fees)
  •  VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  •  Clean, purified drinking water
  •  Accommodation in wooden dormitory style huts
  •  Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate

 

What’s Not Included

  • Tanzania Visa
  •  flights
  •  Additional transfers before and at the end of the tour
  •  Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc available for renting.
  • Tips
  •  Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, Alcoholic & etc.)

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