6-Day Tanzania Trekking Holiday: Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Embark on a 6-day Tanzania trekking holiday: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route.

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.

Price from: $1,550.00

Price up to: $1,750.00

Duration: 6 days

Overview

Experience a 6-day Tanzania trekking holiday and climb Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route.

Itinerary

6-Day Tanzania trekking holiday itni

Day 1: Arusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Depart from Arusha to Marangu gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, you have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.

Elevation: 6,046ft to 8,858ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. You may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 8,858ft to 12,205ft
Distance: 12km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 3: Horombo acclimatization
This acclimatization day is optional but please keep in mind that the Marangu Route has the lowest success rate. We recommend that you add this optional one-day stay at the Horombo Hut to explore the surroundings. It will increase your chances to reach Uhuru peak. Dinner and overnight are at Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo to Kibo Hut
You climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. Once here, you rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day

Elevation: 12,205ft to 15,430ft
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Very early in the morning (around midnight), you begin your push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. You ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Elevation: 15,430ft to 19,341ft
Distance: 6km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, you descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep

Elevation: 19,341ft to 12,250ft
Distance: 16km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On your last day, you have a long trek (mostly downhill) through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, you collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and then drive back to Arusha.

Elevation: 12,205ft to 6,046ft
Distance: 20km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest