6 Days Marangu Route | Tanzania Moja Adventure

6 DAY KILIMANJARO TREKKING MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu Route, commonly referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the oldest and most popular routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its nickname comes from the availability of soft drinks at some of the huts along the trail—not because it's an easy path to the summit. While it's often perceived as less challenging, this misconception largely stems from the fact that Marangu is the only route where trekkers sleep in mountain huts rather than tents.
The 6-day itinerary provides an extra day for acclimatization compared to the standard 5-day version, improving summit success rates. The route follows a gradual ascent and descent along the same trail, passing through lush rainforest, moorlands, and alpine desert before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Although the path itself is considered less steep and more direct, the limited variation in elevation gain and descent means acclimatization can still be a challenge. Therefore, proper physical preparation is key to success.
The Marangu Route is ideal for trekkers seeking a shorter climb with hut accommodations, basic amenities, and a straightforward route—but it still demands determination and respect for the altitude.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

-Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft meters (1800m to 2700m)
-Distance: 8 km/5 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

-Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft meters (2700m to 3700m)
-Distance: 12 km/7 miles
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft meters (3700m to 4400m
-Distance: 5 km/3 miles
-Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
-Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
-Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205 meters (4400m to 3700m
-Distance: 5 km/3 miles
-Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
-Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft meters {3700m to 4700m}
-Distance: 10 km/6 miles
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

-Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft meters(4700m to 5895)
-Distance: 6 km/4 miles
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
-Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft meters(5895m to 3700m)
-Distance: 16 km/10 miles
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

-Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft meters(3700m to 1800m)
-Distance: 20 km/12 miles
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi for hot shower..

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING GEARS

BEST TIME FOR KILIMANJARO

RELATED TOURS

5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE

✅ Included in the Price

Before & After the Climb
• Airport transfers (to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport)
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (1 before and 1 after the climb)
• Pre-trek briefing and gear check by mountain guides

During the Climb
• All park fees (Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, rescue fees)
• All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Purified drinking water throughout the trek
• Professional, English-speaking mountain guides, certified by Kilimanjaro National Park
• Porters to carry gear, tents, and food (typically 1 porter per climber + extra)
• Cook and full mountain crew
• Tents and sleeping pads (double occupancy or private available)
• Daily health checks (including pulse oximeter monitoring)
• Emergency oxygen cylinder & first aid kit
• Luggage storage at base hotel

❌ Not Included

• International flights
• Tanzanian visa fees (approx. $50 USD )
• Travel and medical insurance (mandatory for most operators)
• Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing, trekking poles – available for rent)
• Tips for guides, porters, cook
• Extra hotel nights (if your trip is delayed or shortened)
• Snacks, energy bars, alcoholic drinks, bottled drinks

About us

Tanzania Moja Adventure Limited is a travel company in the heart of the Kilimanjaro region. The indigenous Tanzanian Moses Wazaza maintains a team of competent and professional staff, with over 10 years experience in the Tanzanian tourism industry.

Contacts

NSSF Building 2nd floor
Moshi - Kilimanjaro

+255 754 343 623

info@tanzaniamoja-adventure.com

Expertism

10 years experience in the Tanzanian tourism industry