Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Marangu Route Trek in Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through diverse habitats from rainforest to alpine desert
02 Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, at sunrise
03 Stay in mountain huts with meals provided along the Coca-Cola Route
04 Observe unique wildlife and iconic formations like Zebra Rocks on the trail

Embark on a 6-day Marangu Route trek, the iconic "Coca-Cola Route," with comfortable hut accommodation and stunning mountain scenery. Ascend gradually through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, culminating in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy unique hiking experiences past iconic formations like Zebra Rocks and breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Suitable for first-time trekkers with proper acclimatization, this private trek combines adventure, natural beauty, and the rewarding achievement of standing atop Africa's highest point.

Ascend gradually through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, culminating in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Begin with registration at Marangu Gate, followed by a trek through lush rainforest. Look out for Blue Monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, and rich plant life.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Heath and Moorland

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours | Habitat: Heath/Moorland
The trail gradually opens into moorland with scenic views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Alpine Desert

Hiking Time: 5-7 Hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
A long, gradual walk towards the saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Early dinner and rest.

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Hiking Time: 10-14 Hours | Habitat: Arctic Summit
Midnight start for the summit push. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Horombo for the overnight stay.

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate Descent

Trek down through moorland and rainforest.
Complete the descent to Marangu Gate and receive summit certificates.
Transfer to the hotel for rest.

Day 06

Departure or Optional Extension

Hiking Time: 5-7 Hours Final descent through the rainforest.
Receive summit certificates at the gate.

Where this trip takes you

Zebra Rocks, Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional certified mountain guides
All park fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
Accommodation in mountain huts
All meals during the trek
Porters and cooks
Clean drinking water
Pulse oximeter health checks

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (optional add-on)
Transfers (optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bags, boots, clothing; rental available)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, beverages)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages

What to bring

Layered clothing (thermals, fleece, waterproof shell)
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots and trekking poles
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Good sleeping bag
Personal items (water bottle, headlamp, medications)
Daypack for essentials
Passport, visa, insurance, and cash for tips

Know before you go

Acclimatization is key: the 5-day pace is fast, significantly increasing the risk of altitude sickness (headaches, nausea at night). Listen to your body and your guide; drinking 4L+ of water is essential.
Hut accommodation: unique to Marangu, you sleep in huts (bunk beds) instead of tents, with some lower huts having running water and showers.
Physical demands: while the terrain is easier, summit night (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak) is long, steep, and freezing, requiring mental grit and good fitness.
Logistics: porters carry the main gear (you carry only a daypack), cooks provide hearty meals, and hot drinks and water are supplied.
The "Coca-Cola" Route: known as the easiest route, but the 5-day option is very rushed; 6 days is recommended for better acclimatization.

Logistics