6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Africa Joy Tours offers Marangu as five or six day private climb. The five day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
The Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu route distance
- Distance: The Marangu route is 72 kilometres (45 miles).
- Location: The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. The trail itself starts at Marangu gate.
- Height: The route reaches the summit of Kilimanjaro at the Uhuru peak reaching a height of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet).
- Trail conditions: During the hike, you will travel through misty forests, moorlands, a desertlike alpine area in the Saddle, and rocky paths and snow when you are near the summit.
As for scenery, of course, the Marangu route is still breathtakingly beautiful. However, it is considered to be less scenic, as the ascent and descent travel along the same path and is sometimes crowded.
The trail is well maintained due to its popularity and will have you travelling through forests or the Saddle (a high-altitude desert) before reaching the Kibo Hut.
The huts in this route are:
- Mandara Hut
- Horombo Hut
- Kibo Hut
Before you start planning your trek, don’t be tricked into thinking that a solid roof over your head makes this journey any easier. In the huts, everything is communal; from the basic washrooms to the showers and the dining halls.
Aside from the added bonus of hut facilities on the trail, many hikers and trekkers opt for the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest route on Kilimanjaro thanks to its gentle slope and direct path. Don’t forget though, as we mentioned earlier, the short time frame adds to the difficulty.
You will need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. Extremes of altitude and weather may be encountered and a degree of physical and mental stamina will be essential to complete the hike as the days will be tiring.
Marangu route success rate
The Marangu route, or the Coca-Cola route, is known to be one of the least expensive routes to complete due to the shorter time allocated to reach the summit. Yet it also shares the lowest success rates, as hikers tend to rush to reach the top. Skipping one additional acclimatization day can significantly lower the average success rate of 50%.
Marangu route tips
- If time and budget allow, aim for at least a 6-day hike and avoid the 5-day option, as this will allow your body to acclimate to the altitude and will help you succeed in reaching the summit.
- Prepare a ‘Kilimanjaro playlist’ to listen to during your hike to help break the mental and physical exhaustion you will likely face during your hike – especially on the summit night!
- Take it easy and don’t try to rush to the top.
Take a close look at your packing list to make sure you have all of the right gear, including footwear, clothing, snacks, and equipment. - Remember: water is a hiker’s best friend, and staying hydrated could be the difference between reaching the summit or not.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
You are welcomed by our mountain guide who will usher you into a waiting vehicle and transfer you to the mvuli hotel in Arusha Our tour coordinator will have a short climbing briefing session with you at the lodge and leave you to relax and have dinner. BB booked
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Change: +3117ft/+950 m
Estimated Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 km
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Depart Arusha/Moshi around 0800hrs to Marangu Gate for the Mountain Climb Registration. Begin your Kilimanjaro trek by walking along a narrow trail through the rainforest of Kilimanjaro for most of the hike. Eat a picnic lunch at Kisambioni, day one’s halfway point. After lunch continue walking through the rainforest until reaching Mandara Hut. Relax for the rest of the day or take a short walk to Mahundi Crater. The views to the east over Taveta and to the northwest to Mawenzi Peak are striking on a clear day, making the short hike well worth the effort
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Change: + 3379ft/+1030 m
Estimated Distance: 6.84 miles / 11 km
Habitat: Moorland.
After breakfast, depart Mandara Hut and Kilimanjaro forests to Horombo Hut. Most of the day’s hike will be through Kilimanjaro moorland, a rocky landscape with desert-like plants. Have your picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before continuing to Horombo Hut. If the day is clear, enjoy beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 1500hrs and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m/15,100ft) to Horombo Hut
(3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Estimated Change: +2395ft/+730 m
Estimated Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 km
Habitat: Moorland.
This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Change: +3018ft/+920 m
Estimated Distance: 7.46 miles
Habitat: Alpine desert.
After breakfast continue your ascent into the Alpine desert, passes the last water point at 13550 ft/4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut). The summit is now a further 3921ft /1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Go to bed around 1830hrs and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Hiking Time (Ascent): 6-8 hours / (Descent): 5-6 hours
Estimated Distance (Ascent): 4.35miles /7 km / (Descent):7.46 miles /12km
Elevation Change: Gain; +3757ft /+1145 m/Loss; -7136ft/-2175m
Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit
Around 2330hrs,you will wake up and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (17225ft/5250m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (18639ft/5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone screed, requiring a great physical and mental effort.
From Gillman’s Point you will normally come across snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (19341ft/5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs before the 3 hours descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Change: -6161. 42ft /-1878 m
Estimated Distance: 11.20 miles /18 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, end the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last trek on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. At Marangu Gate you will sign for departure. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with silver certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (1 9341ft/5895m), receive gold certificates. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.
Rates for a Private Trek
Please find below the prices for organizing a private trek. The prices are based on your group size.
Solo Trekker USD 1563 per person
Group of 2 USD 1509 per person
Group of 3 USD 1455 per person
Group of 4 USD 1407 per person
Group of 5 USD 1372 per person
Group of 6 USD 1368 per person
Group of 7 USD 1365 per person
Group of 8 USD 1361 per person
Group of 9 USD 1353 per person
Group of 10 and above USD 1353 per person
Available Discounts Available discounts for Marangu – 6 days
Children between 5 years and 15 years old USD 350 per person
Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania USD 210 per person
East African Citizens USD 820 per person
Included
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)
Excludes
- Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats, Rain suits, Warm Jacket, Heavy boots, Scarf’s, Rain Trousers,
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
-, Visa and Travel Insurance
– Tips to mountain crew (highly recommended) - Per potter per day is from 6 – 8 USD
- Assistance guide / cook – per day is from 12 – 15 USD
- Guides per day is from 20 – 25 USD
