Highlights
Marangu route 6 nights / 7 days highlights
Holidays | Africa | Tanzania | Kilimanjaro | Marangu Route to Mt Kilimanjaro
Unique Experiences
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro.
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro - 6 nights / 7 days Climb
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular, despite a wide variety of other options becoming available. This path provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience, offering sweeping views and a wonderful hiking adventure all the way to the summit of Uhuru Peak. That said, it also has some unique aspects that set it apart from any of the other routes as well, giving Marangu route a character and feeling that is entirely its own. One of the more interesting aspects of Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping, so instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts instead.
These dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, which makes this route a popular one for travelers climbing during the rainy season, which comes in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why Marangu route is often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route."
Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, which has given it the reputation for being an easy trek. Don’t underestimate this trail however, as the approach to the final camp can be physically demanding with roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone. Of course, summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge no matter which direction you approach from, making the final steps onto the top all the more satisfying. Because it is one of the shortest treks to the summit – requiring just five days to reach Uhuru Peak – the Marangu Route is a popular one with trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their climb.
The downside to this is that it doesn’t provide as much of an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude. Because of this, Marangu route has the highest failure rate of any of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep that in mind when choosing this option for your Kilimanjaro trek. The Marangu Route is also the only route that uses the same path going up and coming back down. That means that while the trail is a scenic one, trekkers will experience the same sites going up as they do going back down. And because it has traffic going both directions, Marangu can also get overly crowded at times too. Still, for a classic Kilimanjaro experience, it is tough to top this tried and true route to the Roof of Africa. GlobalXplorers 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.
ITINERARY
Once you have finished breakfast, it is time to leave Arusha and head towards the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, better known as Marangu Gate. Upon arriving at Marangu Gate, you will be given the time to check-in and register. This is where you begin your ascent of Kilimanjaro. The first leg of this route takes you through the woods and the rainforest where you will be able to take in the eucalyptus trees and various species of birds. If you are lucky, you may just spot a Colobus monkey or two – keep an eye out for black or white fur! Make sure you have the appropriate equipment and footwear because the low altitudes can produce wet, muddy soil.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~8,858
Habitat: Rainforest
To start off day 2, you will explore the final stretch of woodland as the massive stretch of moorland begins to open up right in front of your eyes. On your walk, you can appreciate the jagged peaks of Mawenzi that ascend up towards the skies of Africa. It is common for people to experience the onset of altitude sickness at these heights. It is important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide at the first and slightest indication of illness. After reaching the Horombo Huts, you will have time to unpack and experience the view of Kibo before dinner.
Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
You will spend an extra day at the Horombo Huts to allow your body to acclimate to the increasingly high altitude. You must stay at camp and relax if you are showing any signs of illness or are feeling especially tired. However, if you feel well-acclimated to the altitude, then you are free to walk up to Mawenzi Hut and admire the incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi. Keep a steady pace and walk the route and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Otherwise, you can take a journey to the remarkable Zebra Rocks. This requires a climb of 310 metres.
Hiking: 1-2 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~14,400
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
On day 4, you will walk through varied and strikingly picturesque landscapes. To begin, you will continue across the heath as it slowly turns into the parched, desolate highlands between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery here is littered with huge and small volcanic rocks, acting as a testament to the volcanic activity of years passed. The final stretch to the Kibo Huts is very steep and physically challenging.
Once you arrive at the Kibo Huts, it is time to organize your equipment and warm clothes for tomorrow’s journey to the peak. To prevent freezing, keep any water you plan on bringing in a thermos. Get to bed early, as the next day’s trek requires a full night’s sleep worth of energy. You are getting ready to take on Kilimanjaro’s most ultimate challenge!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,430
Habitat: Alpine Desert
As you awake around midnight, there is just enough time for a small meal before you begin your nightly hike. Many hikers consider the difficult terrain, scattered with loose rocks, to be the most difficult part of the climb. The goal is to reach Gilman’s Point by dawn. This is to make sure that you can make it to Uhuru, the highest point of Kibo, shortly after sunrise. There will be a quick stop at Gilman’s Point to experience the glorious view. Afterward, you will continue along the edge of the crater to Uhuru – this is the last part of the ascent and features a steady incline.
Depending on when you take your journey, you may face snow on the final stretch of the path to the Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa and the very top of Kilimanjaro. As you reach the peak, an altitude of 5,895, you can congratulate yourself as you experience the astounding view and get a picture in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.
Now it is time to start back towards the Kibo Huts, you will find that this part goes by incredibly quickly. At the Kibo Huts, you will stop to relax and enjoy a much-needed lunch, before moving along to the Horombo Huts, where you will enjoy a well-deserved full night’s rest.
Hiking: 4-5 Hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,205
As we make the final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate, we will have lunch and say farewell to our mountain crew. Afterwards, we will leave Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and drive back to Arusha for a much-need shower and a commemorative dinner!
Hiking: 5-7 Hours
Overnight Altitude: `1,843
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Marangu Route 6 Day Itinerary Overview
Starting from Marangu Gate to the summit and back to Marangu Gate. For a day-by-day itinerary for the Marangu Route
| Day | Start | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Finish | Altitude (m) | Altitude (ft) | Time (hrs) | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marangu Gate | 1,843 | 6,046 | Mandara Hut | 2,700 | 8,858 | 4-5 | 8 | 5 |
| 2 | Mandara Hut | 2,700 | 8,858 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | 6-8 | 12 | 7 |
| 3 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | Mawenzi Ridge | 4,390 | 14,400 | 2-3 | 5 | 3 |
| Mawenzi Ridge | 4,390 | 14,400 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | 1-2 | 5 | 3 | |
| 4 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,430 | 6-8 | 10 | 6 |
| 5 | Kibo Hut | 4,703 | 15,403 | Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | 6-8 | 6 | 4 |
| Uhuru Peak | 5,895 | 19,341 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | 4-5 | 16 | 10 | |
| 6 | Horombo Hut | 3,720 | 12,205 | Marangu Gate | 1,843 | 6,046 | 5-7 | 20 | 12 |
| Total | 82 | 50 |
Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary - 6 nights / 7 days Climb
Below, you will find a comprehensive 6 nights / 7 days climb up Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route. If you would like to shorten your route to 5 days, skip the night of the Acclimatization Day and continue walking straight from the Horombo Huts to the Kibo Huts in one day.
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Arrival Day
Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to preferred accommodation and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at preferred booked Lodge.
Accommodations: Preferred pre-booked Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Trek
Arusha to Marangu gate - Mandara Hut
Altitude gain: 6,046 ft to 8,858’ ft; Hiking time: 4-5 hours, 5 miles
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you’ll take your first step towards your goal – the roof of Africa. You’ll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimajari. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub’s Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. After reaching Mandara Hut, you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Trek
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp
Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you’ll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the fairy-tale like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You’ll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that’s the really big one that you’ll be scaling in a few days.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trek
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
12,205 ft to 14,400 ft : Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 3 miles
No need to pack you bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day will be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Trek
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
12,205 ft to 15,430 ft : Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 6 miles
Today you’ll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Trek
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut
15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to12,205 ft, 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.
You'll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long nights sleep.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Trek
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
12,205 ft to 6,046 ft : Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12 miles
Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew; then its time to head back down to the forest. We stop for lunch at Mandara Hut and then walk towards Marangu Gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.
Accommodations: NgareSero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departure
If your time in Africa ends today, our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked a safari with us or booked a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb onto your next Tanzanian adventure.
Included in this Trek
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Professional, experienced, mountain guides
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All Park fees, Airport transfers, Rescue fees
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All meals while on the Mountain
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Guides, Porters, cook salaries
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Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Oximeter
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Medical Kit
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Emergency oxygen
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Crisis management and safety procedures
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Accommodation in Arusha
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Portable toilet
Items not included
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Flights
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Visa fees
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Tips or Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
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Travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
The questions and answers below are specific to the Marangu Route .This route is attempted by many novice hikers every year as it offers comfortable hut accommodations, as opposed to other routes that require you to sleep in mountain tents. Many people attest that this route is less difficult compared to other hikes to the top of Kilimanjaro. It is a common misconception for trekkers to perceive a 5-day hike to be easier than a 6-day hike. However, the 5-day options can be very difficult as it does not allow for much time to acclimate to the altitude. The 6-day option is much easier, but a good level of fitness is still required.
The exact distance on the Marangu Route is 82km or 50 miles. The shortest number of days required for the Marangu Route is 5 days, however, when you take into consideration the arrival and departure days, it is 9-10 days. As the Marangu Route is the shortest route on the mountain, it is best to complete the journey over 6 days to increase your chances of success.
As it is one of the shortest routes on the mountain, the Marangu Route has the lowest summit success rates. This is mainly because of the unprofessional local tour guides who take groups up the mountain on the shorter 5-day hike. Because of this, the 5-day average success rate is 50%! We advise our hikers with this in mind, so we only take the 6-day option which increases the success rate to over 90%!
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
Between July and September is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is the most stable during this period and encountering rain is less likely. Since it is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time during the year. Be cautious, April and May are the wettest months, so this period is best avoided.
Having a visa is a requirement for US citizens visiting Tanzania. You will have to apply for a visa before you plan on visiting Tanzania, or apply for a tourist visa upon arrival.
You can receive a Tanzania visa upon arrival from the entry port at the Tanzanian airport. While that is still a possibility, it is highly recommended to apply for a visa online ahead of time, either online or at a Tanzanian embassy.
It takes ten days for a Tanzania visa application to be processed. It will also take some extra time to receive approval for their visa upon making payments before you can start traveling to Tanzania.
It is possible to get an E visa for Tanzania if you are required to have a visa. In order to receive an E visa, you will be required to fill out an online form, make the proper payment(s), and submit your application online. You will have to wait at least ten days for your application to be processed and approved.
Strongly Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A: This can be spread via contaminated food and water.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is often present in the soil, and can contaminate open wounds easily. Tetanus vaccine should be used every ten years if travelling.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can also be spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Diphtheria: This potentially fatal disease is spread mainly via spit, but occasionally through contact with cuts on the skin.
- Yellow Fever: This can be contracted by being bitten by a contaminated mosquito. This vaccination is not essential if you are arriving directly in Tanzania. You do need it though if you plan to arrive through any country that is subject to yellow fever. Simply stopping over at an airport in an affected country should not require vaccination, but leaving the airport even briefly would make it necessary.
Sometimes Advised Vaccinations
- Hepatitis B: This illness is spread via contact with blood or bodily fluids. It is many, many times more virulent than HIV/AIDS. Some 8% of the population of Tanzania are believed to carry the virus.
- Rabies: Rabies is spread via contact between the saliva of any infected animal and an open wound (including bites, but also licking existing wounds). Rabies is fatal unless treated, and treatment of an unvaccinated rabies patient can be very difficult in many parts of Tanzania.
- Tuberculosis: TB is generally contracted through inhaling airborne sputum.
- Cholera: Cholera is spread via contaminated food and water, and poor hygiene.
- Measles: This disease is spread through inhaling sputum.
Those arriving in Tanzania from countries with a high risk of yellow fever are required to get a vaccination before arrival to Tanzania. This is to prevent an outbreak and a national emergency.
Officially, Tanzania has reported no cases of Ebola or suspected Ebola but the WHO has been investigating various claims that the country has concealed potential Ebola cases.
The Zika virus has been found in Tanzania. Of 533 people tested, 15.6% were positive with the virus.
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Marangu Route Kilimanjaro
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Rongai Route Kilimanjaro
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Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro
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