6 Days Marangu Route
π§Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the 6 days Marangu Route
Experience the legendary βCoca-Cola Routeβ with hut accommodation, expert guides, and a proven acclimatization plan. Reach the summit of Africaβs highest mountain comfortably and confidently with Excellent Safaris.
ποΈ 6-Day Marangu Route Itinerary β Mount Kilimanjaro Climb with Excellent Safaris
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most popular trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Often called the βCoca-Cola Routeβ due to the availability of soft drinks along the way, it is the only route offering hut accommodations rather than tents.
Despite being considered easier due to its gentle slopes, the rapid ascent profile can make acclimatization difficult. Therefore, the 6-day version with an extra day for acclimatization is highly recommended to improve summit success.
πΊοΈ Route Map & Itinerary Summary

Route Summary:
Marangu Gate β Mandara β Horombo β Kibo β Summit (Uhuru Peak) β Descend same way
π 6 Days Marangu Route β Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
π Day 1: Moshi β Marangu Gate β Mandara Hut
Elevation:
1,860m β 2,700m
Distance:
8 km
Hiking Time:
4β5 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Rainforest
Begin your trek at Marangu Gate, entering Kilimanjaro National Park. Walk through a beautiful rainforest with a chance to spot blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Reach Mandara Hut in time for rest and dinner.
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:
Mandara Hut
π Day 2: Mandara Hut β Horombo Hut
Elevation:
2,700m β 3,720m
Distance:
12 km
Hiking Time:
6β8 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Moorland
After breakfast, continue uphill through forest and moorland. Enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak along the way. Reach Horombo Hut, a scenic overnight spot with amazing sunset views.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:
Horombo Hut
π Day 3: Acclimatization Day β Hike to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation:
3,720m β 4,400m (Mawenzi Ridge)
Distance:
5β6 km round trip
Hiking Time:
3β4 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Moorland
Spend the day acclimatizing. After a relaxed breakfast, hike toward Mawenzi Ridge for better altitude adaptation and spectacular views. Return to Horombo Hut to rest and prepare for the next day.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:
Horombo Hut
π Day 4: Horombo Hut β Kibo Hut
Elevation:
3,720m β 4,703m
Distance:
10 km
Hiking Time:
6β7 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Alpine Desert
Cross the Saddle, a flat desert-like plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The terrain becomes rocky and dry. Arrive at Kibo Hut, eat early dinner, and rest before your midnight summit push.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:
Kibo Hut
π Day 5: Kibo Hut β Uhuru Peak β Horombo Hut
Elevation:
4,703m β 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) β 3,720m
Distance:
6 km ascent + 16 km descent
Hiking Time:
12β14 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Arctic β Moorland
Wake up around midnight and begin the challenging climb to Gilmanβs Point (5,685m), then continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, descend to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, then continue to Horombo Hut.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight:
Horombo Hut
π Day 6: Horombo Hut β Marangu Gate β Moshi
Elevation:
3,720m β 1,860m
Distance:
20 km
Hiking Time:
5β7 hours
Vegetation Zone:
Moorland to Rainforest
Final descent back through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificate, our vehicle will drive you to Moshi for a well-earned hot shower.
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Optional:
Post-climb hotel in Moshi
π Accommodation on the Marangu Route
Mandara Hut:
2,700m β Bunk beds, solar lighting, shared dining hut
Horombo Hut:
3,720m β Larger capacity, used for 2 nights, shared bunk rooms
Kibo Hut:
4,703m β Stone-built dormitories, no running water, basic toilets
β Tour Includes
βοΈ Park fees:
Conservation, camping, and rescue fees
βοΈ Mountain guides and porters:
Certified and experienced
βοΈ All meals on the mountain:
Hot meals + dietary options available
βοΈ Drinking water:
Boiled and filtered daily
βοΈ Mountain hut accommodation:
Mattresses and solar-powered huts
βοΈ Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
βοΈ Transfers:
To/from Kilimanjaro National Park gates
βοΈ Certificate:
Official certificate for summit or Gilmanβs Point
β Tour Excludes
β Personal trekking gear:
(Sleeping bags, jackets β available for rent)
β Hotel before/after climb
(Can be arranged on request)
β International flights & visas
β Tips for crew:
(Recommended: $20β25/day for guides, $10β15/day for porters)
β Travel insurance:
(Must include high-altitude trekking)
π§ Approximate Elevation Chart
Marangu Gate:
1,860m / 6,102 ft
Mandara Hut:
2,700m / 8,858 ft
Horombo Hut:
3,720m / 12,204 ft
Kibo Hut:
4,703m / 15,430 ft
Uhuru Peak:
5,895m / 19,341 ft
π Recommended Packing List
βοΈ Clothing:
Thermal base layers, fleece, insulated jacket, waterproof pants & jacket
βοΈ Footwear:
Waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, warm socks
βοΈ Gear:
Headlamp, trekking poles, backpack, water bottles/CamelBak
βοΈ Sleeping:
4-season sleeping bag, sleeping liner
βοΈ Accessories:
Gloves, beanie, sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, energy snacks
π‘ Kilimanjaro Climbing Tips
π§ Acclimatize Properly:
Do not skip the Day 3 hike
π§ Stay Hydrated:
Drink 3β4 liters daily
π’ Go Pole Pole:
Walk slowly, take deep breaths
π£οΈ Communicate Symptoms:
Tell your guide if you feel dizziness, nausea, or headaches
πͺ Trust Your Team:
Our Excellent Safaris guides are highly experienced and certified
π Book Now with Excellent Safaris
Climb Africaβs highest mountain with comfort, confidence, and expert guidance. With Excellent Safaris, you’re in good hands.
π§ Email: info@excellentsafaris.com
π Phone: +255 754 554 455
π Website: www.excellentsafaris.com
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