6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
TREKKING KILIMANJARO WITH MOUNTAIN SPIRIT AFRICA SAFARIS
POPULAR ROUTES
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE
6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
ITINERARY
Overview
Known as the “Coca‑Cola Route,” the Marangu path is one of the most popular ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many trekkers consider it the most approachable option, thanks to its gentle slopes and the comfort of mountain huts along the way. While the route can be completed in 5 days, this shorter itinerary often results in lower success rates due to limited time for acclimatization. Choosing the 6‑day Marangu Route greatly improves your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, as the extra day allows your body to adjust to the altitude. This is the only Kilimanjaro route offering cozy sleeping huts equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight stop, making it a comfortable choice for climbers. Unlike other trails, Marangu uses the same path for both ascent and descent, giving you a familiar journey back down the mountain.
-Depart from Moshi or Arusha for Marangu Gate. After breakfast your guide will meet you and drive to Marangu Gate (about 1 hour) once you arrive at the park gate they will be a register section before commence your climb. After registration walk through the rainforest to Mandara encampment. A short trip to Maundi Crater to see the surroundings in the clear day you have a great chance to view northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys
-Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft.
-Distance:8 km / 5 miles
-Hiking Time: 3-4Hours.
-Habitat: Montane Forest.
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mandara Hut
-After breakfast leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. On the clear day you have chance to views Mawenzi Peak and the summit of Kibo both brings you are amazing image of African Mountains. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
-Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft.
-Distance: 11km/5.5mi
-Hiking Time: 5-6Hours.
-Habitat: Heathland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Horombo Hut
-Leisure breakfast before starting your day for acclimatization elevation gain and Loss: 880 meters, 2,900 feet Day three is an acclimatization day. We suggest hiking all the way to Mawenzi Hut to allow for maximum acclimatization. The hike will increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, and also reward you with magnificent views of Kibo. Return to Horombo for a late lunch. Leisure afternoon evening at Horombo.
-Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 13,120 ft / 4,000 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m
-Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles (round trip)
-Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Horombo Hut.
-Depart right after breakfast Horombo Hut hike through the moorland and alpine desert upper altitudes. After hiking for about one hour arrive at Maua River, a small mountain stream after Maua River, the terrain becomes flatter and the vegetation begins to disappear. Lunch to be save at Middle Red Hill after lunch, continue on a steady incline for another two hours through Saddle although the environment on the way to Kibo is a bleak desert with little vegetation, you will see many stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Reach Kibo Hut around 15hrs pm leisure prepare for summit session to take a place at mid night. Horombo Hut 3,720Mt to Kibo Hut 4,750Mt.
-Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 15,430 ft / 4,703 m
-Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
-At midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Top of Africa. Hike begins with a demanding five hours hike to Gillman's Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William's Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike from Kibo Hut continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman's to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take pictures of your Self and or group at the peak before beginning the descent to Kibo Hut and later further downhill Horombo Hut. On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and breach at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut after reached Horombo Hut in the afternoon rest as this is your last night on the mountain.
-Elevation: 15,430 ft / 4,703 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 12,205 ft / 3,720 m
-Distance: 19 km / 11.8 miles (6 km ascent, 13 km descent)
-Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
-Habitat: Arctic Zone to Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-Accommodation: Horombo Hut
-Last breakfast on the mountain before your descent begin to Marangu gate. Your last hike on is a beautiful one, passing through cloud forest watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery during rainy season your lunch will be save at Mandara hut before completing your descent by arriving Marangu Gate exit gate the vehicles will be waiting at Marangu gate for driving back to Moshi/Arusha. Horombo Hut (3,720Mt to Marangu Gate 1,800Mt.
-Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720 m → 6,046 ft / 1,843 m
-Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
-Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
-Habitat: Moorland to Montane Forest
-Meals: Breakfast
-Bed and Breakfast, Airport pick up and drop off, Transport to the mountain and back to your hotel after trek.
-Professional, experienced, mountain guides.
-Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees.
-All meals while on the Mountain (Breakfast lunch and dinner).
-Tanzania Visa.
-International and domestic flights.
-Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting).
-Travel insurance.
-Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
-Meals not listed in the itinerary.
-Liquors, beers and bottled beverages.
-Tip for the crew