6 Days Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro Climb

6 Days / 5 Nights Max 5,895 m 70–80% Success Rate
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Overview – 6 Days Marangu Route

6 Days Marangu Route (also known as the “Coca-Cola Route”) is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodation instead of camping, making it a popular choice for trekkers who prefer sleeping in dormitory-style mountain huts.

The 6-day version includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. This additional rest day significantly improves summit success rates compared to the shorter 5-day itinerary. You approach Kilimanjaro from the southeast, pass through montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert, and reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before descending the same route.

This itinerary is ideal for climbers who want the comfort of huts combined with better acclimatization and a higher chance of reaching the summit.

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Upcoming Departure Dates

Join a scheduled group or request a private trek on any date.

Departure Return Status
15 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 Available Reserve Spot
01 Oct 2026 06 Oct 2026 Available Reserve Spot
18 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 Limited Reserve Spot
05 Nov 2026 10 Nov 2026 Available Reserve Spot
12 Dec 2026 17 Dec 2026 Available Reserve Spot
08 Jan 2027 13 Jan 2027 Available Reserve Spot

Private departures available any day. Message us on WhatsApp for custom dates.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | 3–5 Hrs

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate (about 45 minutes). After registration and a final equipment check, you start trekking through the lush montane rainforest. The trail is well maintained and relatively gradual. You may see colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife along the way. You arrive at Mandara Hut in the early afternoon and settle into the dormitory-style huts for your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,860 m → 2,700 m  ·  Distance: 8 km  ·  Time: 3–5 hrs  ·  Habitat: Montane Forest  ·  Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut

After breakfast you leave the forest and continue climbing through the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up and you get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail gradually gains elevation as you approach Horombo Hut. This is a longer day, so a steady pace is important. You arrive at Horombo in the afternoon and spend the night in the mountain huts.

Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,720 m  ·  Distance: 12 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Moorland  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

This is the key advantage of the 6-day itinerary. After breakfast you take a short acclimatization hike toward Zebra Rocks or the base of Mawenzi Peak and then return to Horombo Hut. The extra day at 3,720 m allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude before the push to Kibo Hut and the summit. You rest, hydrate, and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.

Elevation: 3,720 m (acclimatization)  ·  Distance: 3–5 km (optional hike)  ·  Time: 2–4 hrs  ·  Habitat: Moorland  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut

Today you leave the moorland behind and enter the alpine desert. The vegetation becomes sparse and the air thinner. You pass the last water point and continue across the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi toward Kibo Hut. After arriving at Kibo Hut (4,703 m) you rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 4,703 m  ·  Distance: 10 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Alpine Desert  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut

Summit day begins around midnight. You leave Kibo Hut in the darkness and climb slowly up the steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. The pace is deliberately slow. From Gilman’s Point you continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Elevation: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m  ·  Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down  ·  Time: 6–8 hrs up / 4–6 hrs down  ·  Habitat: Stone Scree & Summit  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Hotel

After breakfast you begin the final descent through the moorland and montane forest back to Marangu Gate. The trail is long but mostly downhill. At the gate you complete the park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your driver meets you and transfers you back to your hotel in Moshi. After six days on the Marangu Route you can finally relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate reaching the Roof of Africa.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m  ·  Distance: 20 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Moorland & Forest  ·  Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Hut accommodation on the mountain
  • Conservation & hut fees
  • Transfers to and from the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Purified drinking water
  • Summit certificate
  • Guides, porters and cook salaries + park fees
  • VAT (18%)
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Rescue fees

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel (available as addon)
  • Tanzania Visa
  • 5% surcharge on card payments
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers (available as addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Payment Terms

Deposit: 20% of the total booking amount, payable by bank transfer or card. A 5% fee applies on card payments (non-refundable).

Balance: Payable by bank transfer, card, or cash on arrival. Bank transfer is recommended 15–30 days before the tour. Card payments are accepted up to 1 day before departure.

Cancellation Policy

8 days or more before departure — No cancellation fees.

0–7 days before departure — 50% of the total tour price is charged. The trek can be postponed to a new date at no extra cost. Card surcharges remain non-refundable.

Supplements

  • Solo Supplement — USD 40 (year-round for solo trekkers)
  • Off-season Supplement — USD 120 (March, April, May, November for solo trekkers starting a new group)

Discounts

  • Children 5–15 years — USD 590 off (Code: 5TO15)
  • Expatriates / Residents in Tanzania — USD 210 off (Code: RESTAN)
  • East African Citizens — USD 750 off (Code: EAC)

Private Trek Pricing

  • 1 person — USD 1,950
  • 2 people — USD 1,850 per person
  • 3 people — USD 1,790 per person
  • 4 people — USD 1,730 per person
  • 5 people — USD 1,700 per person
  • 6 people — USD 1,680 per person
  • 7 people — USD 1,665 per person
  • 8 people — USD 1,655 per person
  • 9 people — USD 1,645 per person
  • 10+ people — USD 1,635 per person

Add-ons

Hotels

  • Lindrin Lodge (Single) — USD 55 / night
  • Lindrin Lodge (Double) — USD 70 / night
  • Keys Hotel (Single) — USD 69 / night
  • Keys Hotel (Double) — USD 94 / night
  • Parkview Inn (Single) — USD 81 / night
  • Parkview Inn (Double) — USD 91 / night
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders (Single) — USD 140 / night
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders (Double) — USD 160 / night

Gear

  • Private Toilet — USD 150
  • Thicker mattress — USD 10
  • Thermarest — USD 15

Transfers

  • JRO ↔ Moshi — USD 50 one way
  • Arusha ↔ Moshi — USD 100 one way

What to Know

Useful guides and information before your Kilimanjaro climb.

What Climbers Say

★★★★★

“The extra day at Horombo made a big difference. We felt much stronger on summit night. Hut accommodation was comfortable and the guides were excellent.”

Sarah M. United Kingdom · March 2025
★★★★★

“Best decision to choose the 6-day Marangu. Better acclimatization and still the comfort of huts. Highly recommended.”

James T. United States · September 2025
★★★★★

“Well-organized climb with clear communication. Sunrise at the summit was unforgettable. Thank you to the whole team.”

Anna K. Germany · January 2026