6 Days Marangu Route
Duration
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed using six established routes. Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach the mountain from the southern side. Lemosho and Shira approach from the west. Rongai approaches from the north near the Kenyan border. All routes descend via the Mweka Route except Marangu and Rongai.
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the most popular and well-established routes on Kilimanjaro. Its popularity comes from its shorter duration and the use of permanent mountain huts instead of camping, making it logistically straightforward and more structured than other routes.
Route Characteristics
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Duration: 5 or 6 days
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Difficulty: Medium
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Scenery: Good
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Traffic: High
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Accommodation Style: Mountain huts throughout
Acclimatization and Difficulty
Marangu is a shorter route with a relatively steep ascent profile. Due to the limited time spent at intermediate altitudes, acclimatization opportunities are fewer compared to longer routes such as Machame or Lemosho.
As a result, the Marangu Route generally has a lower summit success rate. This route is best suited for climbers who are well-prepared and comfortable with faster altitude gain.
Summit Attempt
The summit push begins from Kibo Hut and involves a steep ascent to Gilman’s Point before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. This section is physically demanding due to altitude and incline rather than technical complexity.
Traffic and Overall Experience
Marangu is the only route where the ascent and descent follow the same path. This leads to higher traffic levels, especially during peak climbing seasons. Climbers seeking quieter trails and varied scenery may prefer alternative routes.
Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, climbers are transferred to a hotel near the mountain for overnight accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.
Before the climb, the head guide conducts a detailed briefing and equipment check. Any required gear can be arranged locally prior to departure.
Pricing
6 Days | 5 Nights . Price Per Person (USD)
Group Size | Price Per Person
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | USD 1,705 |
Solo & Supplement Charges (USD)
| Charge Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Solo Climber Add-On | USD 350 |
| Single Supplement | USD 300 |
Prices are indicative and subject to current government-regulated park fees at the time of departure.
Typical Crew Composition (2 Climbers)
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1 Lead Guide
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1 Assistant Guide
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1 Cook
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1 Waiter
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8 Porters
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the agreed itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Proper ration and support of the mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Pre- and post-trek accommodation (2 nights, Bed & Breakfast)
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All meals on the mountain as per the itinerary (full board)
- Safe drinking water throughout the trek
- All National Park fees, hut/camping fees, crew permits, and VAT
- Fair and sustainable wages for all mountain crew
- Gate transfers
- Complimentary oxygen cylinder (for emergency use)
- Private portable toilet with a dedicated porter
- Use of quality, imported trekking equipment
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory – recommendations available)
- Gamow (hyperbaric) bag
- Personal medications
- Tips for porters and mountain crew
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Energy foods and beverages, including alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear (e.g. trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.)
- Additional accommodation costs in case of early descent from the mountain
Tour Plan
Departing from Moshi a 1-hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
You can spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can either rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountains weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit.
After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu Park Gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 45 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
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