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6-Day Marangu Route - The Coca-Cola Route

Climb Kilimanjaro on the 6-Day Marangu Route, known for its comfortable hut accommodations, gentle ascent, and extra day for acclimatization.

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$1,760
6 days
1-16 people
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Highland & Wilderness Treks 6 days Northern Highlands

6-Day Marangu Route - The Coca-Cola Route

Marangu Route: Expert Overview & Why You Should Choose It


The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the most popular paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its unique hut accommodations and relatively gentle ascent, it offers trekkers a comfortable and accessible way to experience Africa’s highest peak. The 6-day itinerary includes an essential acclimatization day to boost your summit success rate.

As climbers journey through the Marangu Route, they traverse a variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to the stark, beautiful alpine desert. The route boasts a gradual incline and ample resting opportunities. Additionally, the Marangu Route is rich in cultural and natural highlights, offering trekkers a chance to encounter local Chagga culture and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region.


Why Choose the Marangu Route for Your Climb?


  1. Comfort & Convenience: The only route offering sleeping huts, eliminating the need for camping.
  2. Accessibility: Considered the easiest and shortest route to the summit, requiring slightly less fitness than the western routes.
  3. Acclimatization: The 6-day option includes an extra day at Horombo Hut to aid in crucial altitude adjustment.
  4. Cultural Highlights: Rich in opportunities to encounter local Chagga culture.

While the Marangu Route is often considered the easiest, reaching the summit still requires a good level of physical fitness and strong mental fortitude to overcome the challenges posed by high altitude and long hiking days. Prepare adequately to maximize your chances of summit success.

6-Day Marangu Route - The Coca-Cola Route

Detailed Itinerary

Your day-by-day adventure awaits

6
Days

Itinerary Overview

Total Days: 6
Duration: 6 days
Destination: Northern Highlands
1

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Active
Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,860 ft Distance: 8 km | Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Marangu Gate. The day is a gentle ascent through the lush, emerald-green rainforest, often accompanied by the sounds of exotic birds. The path is well-maintained and provides a perfect introduction to the trek. You will arrive at Mandara Hut, a comfortable cluster of wooden A-frame huts, for your first night on the mountain.

Day 1 Highlights

Day 1 - Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
2

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Active
Elevation: 8,860 ft to 12,200 ft Distance: 12 km | Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Moorland We continue through the upper rainforest before the landscape dramatically opens up into the moorland zone. The views become expansive, and on clear days, you’ll catch your first magnificent glimpses of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The trek involves gradual inclines, leading you to Horombo Hut, a vibrant camp often considered the most picturesque on this route.

Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 - Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
3

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Active
Elevation: 12,200 ft Distance: 5 km round trip | Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Moorland This extra day is a vital strategic advantage. You will spend the day resting and allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude. To aid the process, we conduct an optional, gentle round-trip trek to Zebra Rocks (13,100 ft). This "climb high, rest low" practice is key to maximizing your chances of a successful summit later in the week.
4

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Active
Elevation: 12,200 ft to 15,430 ft Distance: 10 km | Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert The environment changes dramatically as you trek across the desolate, lunar-like landscape of the Alpine Desert. The path is a long, steady ascent with Kibo Peak dominating the view ahead. We focus on a slow, deliberate pace. You will arrive at Kibo Hut, the final base camp, with an early dinner and an early bedtime crucial for preparing for the midnight summit ascent.
5

Day 5: Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Active
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,200 ft Distance: 6 km up / 16 km down | Time: 10-14 hours | Habitat: Arctic The ultimate challenge begins just after midnight. You will climb the scree slope under the cover of stars, aiming to reach Gilman's Point (18,600 ft) by sunrise. From there, the final push to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the Roof of Africa, awaits. After capturing your moment of victory, the long but exhilarating descent begins, first back to Kibo Hut for rest, and then all the way down to the comforts of Horombo Hut for a much-deserved overnight stay.
6

Day 6: Final Descent and Farewell

Active
Elevation: 12,200 ft to 6,046 ft Distance: 20 km | Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Rainforest Your final day on the mountain is a long, celebratory descent through the moorland and back into the lush rainforest. You will return to Marangu Gate, where you will collect your official summit certificates (awarded based on the peak reached). Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower, a final dinner with your team, and a triumphant farewell.
Ready to experience this amazing 6-day adventure? Book your safari now!

What's Included

Professional, certified Bamba Climb guides, cooks, and porters. All Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, hut, and rescue fees. Accommodation in designated mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo). All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Clean, purified drinking water throughout the climb. Private transport to and from the starting/ending gates. Emergency oxygen and a medical kit carried by the guides.

What's Not Included

International flights and visa fees. Gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (highly customary). Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing - rental available). Travel insurance (mandatory). Accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged).

What Our Travelers Say

4.9/5

Based on 127+ reviews

JD

John Doe

"An absolutely incredible experience! The guides were knowledgeable and the wildlife sightings were amazing."

SJ

Sarah Johnson

"Perfect organization from start to finish. The accommodations were top-notch and the food was delicious."

MW

Mike Wilson

"The photography opportunities were incredible. Our guide knew exactly where to find the best wildlife."

Tour Information

Duration
6 days
Nights
N/A nights
Group Size
1-16
Language
English
Departure
Moshi, Tanzania
Return
Moshi, Tanzania
Itinerary
6 days
$1,760

per person

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Free cancellation up to 24h before

Itinerary Preview

1
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara...
2
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo...
3
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at...
+3 more days

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