The Best Six-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route to Summit in 2025,2026,2027
The Best Six-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route to Summit in 2025, 2026, and 2027
Introduction to the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” offers one of the most comfortable trekking experiences on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that provides hut accommodations instead of tents, making it a preferred option for climbers seeking extra comfort. This six-day itinerary is designed to give climbers more time for acclimatization, significantly increasing the chances of reaching the summit.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker, the Marangu Route promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the highest point in Africa: Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Highlights: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Briefing: Meet your guides for a pre-climb orientation, gear check, and detailed briefing on the upcoming trek.
Overnight Stay: Moshi/Arusha
Day 2: Trek from Marangu Gate (1,840m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 860 meters Your Kilimanjaro journey begins with a drive to the Marangu Gate for registration. The hike starts through lush tropical rainforests filled with wildlife like blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The trail gradually ascends until you reach Mandara Hut, nestled in the forest.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters You will trek out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The scenery changes dramatically as the vegetation becomes sparser. After a steady climb, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut, where you can enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Optional Hike: Trek to the iconic Zebra Rocks (4,000m)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours This is a crucial day for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. You can take an optional trek to the Zebra Rocks, a striking formation with black-and-white streaks. After your hike, return to Horombo Hut for rest and preparation for the summit push.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 983 meters The trail continues past the “Saddle,” a high-altitude desert area between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The landscape here is barren and rugged, but the striking views of the peaks will keep you motivated. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will rest and prepare for the final ascent to the summit.
Day 6: Summit Attempt from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then Descend to Horombo Hut
Summit Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Summit Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,192 meters
Descent Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Descent Time: 4-6 hours The summit trek begins just after midnight. You’ll climb to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) and then push onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After a moment of triumph at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing to Horombo Hut.
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descent Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Descent Time: 6-7 hours The final stretch of your trek leads you back through the moorland and rainforest, ending at Marangu Gate. Here, you will receive your summit certificate before being transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved celebration.
Why Choose the Six-Day Marangu Route?
Extended Acclimatization: This itinerary includes an acclimatization day, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude, significantly increasing your summit success rate.
Comfortable Hut Accommodations: You’ll sleep in mountain huts rather than tents, making this route ideal for those seeking added comfort.
Well-Defined Path: The Marangu Route features well-established trails, offering a moderate and straightforward trek to the summit.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro in 2025, 2026, and 2027
The best times to embark on the six-day Marangu Route are during Kilimanjaro’s two main climbing seasons:
January to March: These months have cooler temperatures and are less crowded, offering a quieter, more peaceful climb.
June to October: This is the dry season, characterized by clear skies and warmer conditions, making it one of the most popular times to trek.
Call to Action
Don’t miss the chance to trek the Marangu Route in 2025, 2026, or 2027! With an extra day to acclimatize, this itinerary increases your chances of reaching the summit, while offering the unique comfort of hut accommodations. Book now and take the first step toward your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Inclusions
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
