Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days on the Marangu Route, the only route with sleeping huts, with an extra acclimatization day for a better chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
About this tour
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route (6 Days)
The Marangu Route, often called the Coca-Cola route, is the oldest and best-established path up Africa's highest mountain. It is the only route where you sleep in simple mountain huts instead of tents, which many trekkers find more comfortable, especially in the rainy season.
This 6-day itinerary adds an extra acclimatization day compared with the classic 5-day climb. The additional time at altitude gives your body a better chance to adjust and improves your odds of standing on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. You climb and descend on the same trail through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
Highlights
- Sleep in mountain huts along the whole route
- Extra acclimatization day for a better summit success rate
- Steady gradient suited to first-time Kilimanjaro trekkers
- Experienced local guides and a full support crew
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). About 8 km, 4 to 5 hours, through lush rainforest. Overnight at Mandara Hut.
Day 2 Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). About 12 km, 6 to 8 hours, across open moorland. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 3 Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike toward Zebra Rocks (about 4,000 m) before returning to sleep. This extra day at altitude improves your chances of reaching the summit.
Day 4 Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,720 m). About 10 km, 6 to 7 hours, crossing the alpine desert known as the Saddle. Early dinner and rest before the summit push.
Day 5 Day 5: Summit Day, Uhuru Peak
Start around midnight via Gilman's Point (5,681 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise, then descend to Kibo Hut and continue to Horombo Hut. A long day of 12 to 14 hours.
Day 6 Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. About 20 km, 5 to 7 hours. Collect your summit certificate and transfer to Moshi.
Your safari at a glance
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, plus transfers to and from the park gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, rescue fees and VAT
- Mountain hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts)
- Licensed mountain guides, cook, and porters, including their wages
- Three meals a day on the mountain, hot drinks, and treated drinking water
- Foam sleeping mattress
- First aid kit, pulse oximeter checks, and emergency oxygen
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check in Moshi
- Summit certificate for those who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa and travel or medical insurance
- Tips for the guides, cook, and porters
- Personal gear, equipment rental, and personal expenses
- Hotel accommodation, drinks, and meals in Moshi before and after the trek
- Optional upgrades (private tent, thicker mattress, private toilet)
Important information
- Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m (19,341 ft). Altitude affects everyone, so fitness, a slow pace, and a positive attitude matter.
- A pre-climb briefing and gear check is held the evening before the trek begins.
- Tips are paid at the end of the trek. A common guide is USD 20 to 25 per day for the lead guide, 15 to 20 for the assistant guide, 12 to 15 for the cook, and 8 to 10 per porter, shared by the group.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.
- Bring warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, broken-in hiking boots, gloves, a warm hat, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a sleeping bag (rental is available).
- Private tour: the climb can start any day of the year and the itinerary can be adjusted.
Best time to travel
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