6 Days Marangu Route
Overview
The 6 Days Marangu Route is the classic “Coca-Cola Route” on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodation instead of tents and follows the same trail up and down. Because it is a shorter itinerary with less acclimatization time, it suits very fit trekkers or those who are limited on time and comfortable with a higher challenge on summit night.
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights on the mountain
Accommodation: Mandara, Horombo & Kibo mountain huts
Start / End: Marangu Gate (eastern side of Kilimanjaro)
Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Best months: January–March, June–October
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARUSHA/MOSHI ➝ MARANGU GATE ➝ MANDARA HUT
Elevation: 1,970 m ➝ 2,720 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
After a short drive to Marangu Gate, your registration is completed and the trek begins through a lush rainforest alive with birds, blue monkeys, and towering trees. The trail is well-maintained and gentle.
Highlights:
• Walk through thick tropical forest
• Chance to spot Colobus monkeys
• Comfortable night in Mandara Hut dormitories
Meals: Lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
DAY 2 – MANDARA HUT ➝ HOROMBO HUT
Elevation: 2,720 m ➝ 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~12 km
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Today the trail climbs steadily out of the forest and into open moorland. Clear views of Mawenzi Peak appear as you approach Horombo Hut.
Highlights:
• First views of Mawenzi and Kibo
• Overnight in warm two-level huts
• A good acclimatization day’s gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
DAY 3 – ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT HOROMBO HUT
Elevation: 3,720 m (up to Mawenzi Ridge at 4,400 m)
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours (optional acclimatization walk)
Habitat: Moorland & Alpine Desert
A key acclimatization day that drastically improves summit success. You hike toward Mawenzi Ridge, absorbing wide panoramas before returning to camp.
Highlights:
• Gentle hike to 4,400 m
• Boost acclimatization (“climb high, sleep low”)
• Rest afternoon to hydrate and recover
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
DAY 4 – HOROMBO HUT ➝ KIBO HUT
Elevation: 3,720 m ➝ 4,703 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross “The Saddle,” a wide desert valley between Mawenzi and Kibo. The air gets thinner, and hydration and pacing are essential.
Highlights:
• Dramatic views of Kibo Cone
• Unique high-altitude desert terrain
• Early dinner and rest before summit night
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
DAY 5 – KIBO HUT ➝ UHURU PEAK ➝ HOROMBO HUT
Elevation:
⬆️ 4,703 m ➝ 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
⬇️ 5,895 m ➝ 3,720 m
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours total
Distance: ~20 km
Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone ➝ Moorland
Your summit push begins around midnight. The climb to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) is slow and steep, but extraordinary. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.
After celebrating, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for your final night.
Highlights:
• Sunrise at the highest point in Africa
• Spectacular glacier views
• Huge achievement after a long summit night
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
DAY 6 – HOROMBO HUT ➝ MARANGU GATE ➝ MOSHI/ARUSHA
Elevation: 3,720 m ➝ 1,970 m
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: ~20 km
Descend through moorland and lush rainforest back to Marangu Gate. You will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate before driving back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (optional
Start Planning Your Kilimanjaro Climb – Receive a Custom Quote Within 24 Hours
Inclusions
All park fees
Certified mountain guide(s)
Support team: assistant guides, cook, and porters
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Drinking water (treated / boiled)
Round-trip transfers from your hotel to Marangu Gate
Emergency oxygen (for altitude-related emergencies)
Government taxes and levies
Exclusions
International & domestic flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Tips for guides, cook & porters
Personal climbing gear
Travel insurance (highly recommended for evacuation)
Snacks & energy supplements
Additional transport or activities not listed in itinerary