Marangu 6-Day Route

The Kilimanjaro Marangu route is also known as the "Coca-Cola" route. This is the most straightforward route on the mountain. The Marangu route takes you through the forests, moorlands and then across the Saddle (a high-altitude desert) to Kibo. The path to the summit is a zig-zag route up steep scree, which makes a slower ascend then on the other routes. Marangu is also the only route you ascend and descend on the same route. It is also the only route with huts. When taking the Marangu route in Kilimanjaro the distance is a total of 72 kilometers.


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Johannesburg / Kilimanjaro Airport / Moshi

    After clearing immigration at Kilimanjaro Airport and collecting your luggage, our friendly Kilimanjaro team will meet you for our transfer to Moshi, based at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Once checked in at the hotel, you’ll have the day at leisure. 

    Stay: Springlands Hotel 

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 2: Moshi / Marangu Gate / Mandara Hut

    1,860m (6,102ft) – 2,705m (8, 875ft)

    Average hiking time: 4 – 6 hours

    Transfer from Moshi to the Marangu Park Gate. Meet your guide and start hiking from Marangu Gate (1800 m). Hike through a fascinating rainforest to Mandara Hut and enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Hike to Maundi Crater (45 min from Mandara hut) or rest upon arrival.  

    Stay: Mandara Hut

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 3: Mandara Hut / Horombo Hut

    2,705m (8,875ft) – 3,719m (12,201ft) 

    Average hiking time: 5 - 6 hours

    We start hiking to Horombo Hut after breakfast. Leave the last glade of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Picnic lunch en route.  “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora along the way. Remember, the slower you go, the more efficiently your body adjusts to the change in altitude. Giant Senecios stand tall along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day.   

    Stay: Horombo Hut 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 4: Acclimatization Day

    Average hiking time: 5 hours

    An extra day at Horombo to acclimatize to the altitude.  We highly recommended that you hike to “Zebra Rock” (3,980m / 13,058ft) - rocks striped by weather. If energy and time allow, you can walk to the foot of Mawenzi. Return to Horombo in the afternoon. Enjoy a packed lunch en route.  

    Stay: Horombo Hut

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 5: Horombo Hut / Kibo Hut

    3,719m (12,201ft) – 4,713m (15,463ft) 

    Average hiking time: 7 hours

    Hike slowly to Kibo Hut. Today you leave the moorland and enter the Saddle (an alpine desert) pasting giant lobelia and walk to Kibo Hut. The saddle is a flat area; however, do not be tempted to increase your pace. Take it easy. If altitude has not affected you so far, this is where it will begin to kick in. Pack lunch along the way.   

    Stay: Kibo Hut

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 6: Kibo Hut / Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!) / Horombo Hut

    4 713m (15 463ft) - 5895m (19341ft)

    Average hiking time to the summit: 7 hours

    Walk-up call just after midnight to start your final ascends to the summit. You’ll follow a zigzag path with loose scree to reach Gillman’s Point (5,685 m) at sunrise. The only thing you will notice for the next few hours is the feet of the person in front of you. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most difficult section of the whole climb. It quickly becomes a real test of endurance. Near Gillman’s the scree comes to an end and huge boulders loom above you. 

    Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. 


    Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

    5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,719m (12,201ft) / Average descending time: 5+ hours

    Stop for a short break at Kibo Hut before continuing to Horombo Hut.

    Stay: Horombo Hut 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 7: Horombo Hut / Marangu Gate / Moshi

    3,719m (12,201ft) – 1,860m (6,102ft)

    Average hiking time: 6 hours

    Descend to Marangu Gate. Enjoy lunch at Mandara Hut. Transfer to a nice shower and a real bed.   Well done – you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro!

    Stay: Springlands Hotel 

    Meals: Lunch & breakfast

  • Day 8: Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport / Johannesburg

    Transfer from Springlands Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

    End of service

*Hiking times are estimated only but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike.

Map

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro Airport, including airport taxes.
  • Airport transfers 
  • 2 Nights in Moshi at Springlands Hotel with breakfast (1 night before and 1 night after the climb)
  • Expedition briefing 
  • 6 Days hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro 
  • National Park / Camping & Hut fees.
  • Government tourist taxes.
  • Rescue fees (excluding evacuation by helicopter).
  • Qualified English speaking guide 
  • Assistant guides, cook, waiter & porters.
  • Salaries for your mountain crew.
  • Meals on the mountain 
  • Hut accommodation on the climb
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing.
  • Portable oxygen for emergencies.
  • Uhuru or Gilman’s Point certificate issued by the National Park Board

  • Entry visa to Tanzania 
  • Malaria – Tanzania is a malaria area
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals & Beverages not specified  
  • Sightseeing 
  • All items of personal nature
  • Gratuity
  • Tips for the guides and porters 
  • Drinks not specified.
  • Climbing gear.
  • Personal first aid kit.

Dates & Prices

Dates

PRIVATE CLIMBS ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERRED DATES

Rates

RAND Rate (SA residents ONLY) USD Rate
Rates available on request. Rates available on request.
(Excluding International flights & airline taxes)

 

  • Please request a quote from our Kilimanjaro Specialists for the best, most current rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 - 5 climbers– if more people travel discounted rates are available. 
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.
  • For travel outside of these dates, the price may vary according to season rates.