6 Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

OVERVIEW

This carefully designed Marangu Route package offers an unforgettable opportunity to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), the highest peak in Africa, while enjoying comfort, safety, and breathtaking scenery.

Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our friendly driver welcomes you and transfers you to Springlands Hotel in Moshi. Here, you will relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing led by our experienced mountain coordinators and professional guides. This briefing ensures you are fully prepared, confident, and excited for the journey ahead.

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers comfortable mountain huts instead of tents, making it an excellent choice for climbers seeking added comfort. The trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones—from lush rainforest to alpine moorland and stark volcanic landscapes, before reaching the snow-capped summit.

The ultimate reward is standing on Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, where you will witness a spectacular sunrise and experience a true sense of achievement. After your descent, you will return to Springlands Hotel for rest and celebration. For those wishing to extend their journey, we offer wildlife safaris or Zanzibar beach holidays, creating a complete Tanzania adventure.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional driver will meet you with a personalized sign and transfer you comfortably to Springlands Hotel. After check-in, enjoy a freshly prepared meal and take time to relax in the hotel’s peaceful environment, featuring a swimming pool, lush gardens, bar, and restaurant. Later in the day, you will attend a detailed pre-trek briefing with your mountain guide and coordinators, covering safety procedures, trekking expectations, equipment checks, and route highlights.

Day 2: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, drive approximately one hour to Marangu Gate to complete park registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, where towering trees, birds, and playful monkeys surround the trail. The steady ascent leads you to Mandara Hut, your first mountain camp, where you will enjoy a hot meal and rest in comfortable A-frame huts. In the afternoon, you may take an optional acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater, offering stunning views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Altitude: 1,830 m – 2,700 m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, continue your ascent as the forest gradually gives way to heather and moorland vegetation. The trail opens up, revealing magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon. After lunch, you will have time to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the expansive alpine scenery. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next stages of the climb.

Altitude: 2,700 m – 3,720 m

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

This extra acclimatization day significantly increases summit success. You may relax at camp or take a guided acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks, a striking volcanic formation. This gentle hike helps your body adapt to higher altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. After returning to Horombo Hut, enjoy a hearty meal and final preparations for the higher ascent.

Altitude: 3,720 m –3,980 m

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 2 – 3 hours

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

Today’s trek crosses the famous Saddle, a dramatic and barren landscape stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Though vegetation is minimal, the views are vast, open, and unforgettable. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m) by afternoon. After an early dinner, you will rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Your guide will give a thorough briefing covering pace, safety, and mindset for the climb ahead.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,700 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 6: Summit Day to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Around midnight, you begin the most challenging and rewarding part of the journey. The ascent to Gillman’s Point is steep and demanding, requiring steady determination. From Gillman’s Point, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. If weather permits, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the continent, an unforgettable moment of triumph. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.

Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m – 3,720 m

Distance: 22 km

Hiking Time: 12 –15 hours

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi

After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate. Here, you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, marking your incredible achievement. Transfer back Hotel, where a hot shower, delicious meal, and comfortable bed await.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 1,830 m

Distance: 20 km

Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours