Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

Tourists at a Hut during the Trek to Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Reach the Roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro
02 Trek via the Marangu route, the "Coca-Cola" path and oldest hiking route
03 Spot blue monkeys as you hike through Kilimanjaro's rainforest
04 Enjoy views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks during the climb

Embark on a lifetime trek to Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, on this 6-day climb via the Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route. As the oldest and most well-established route on the mountain, Marangu is considered one of the easiest paths and offers the chance to spot blue monkeys along the way. Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic terrain while taking in views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that form Kilimanjaro's summit.

Hikers and the team wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through Rainforest

Hikers will head to Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning the trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rainforest near the upper edge of the forest line, where playful blue monkeys can sometimes be seen. The track then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides before reaching Mandara Hut campsite.

Rising (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Stretch: 8 km
Climate: Rainforest
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Shelter: Mandara Hut

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut across Moorland

On the second day of the Marangu route, the hike begins with a steep ascent through the forest before opening into high moorland. If the sky is clear and free of clouds, hikers may get their first views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Rising (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Stretch: 12 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Climate habitat: Heath/moorland

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike to Mawenzi Hut and Back

This extra day is used for acclimatization, with a hike towards, or all the way to, Mawenzi Hut before returning to Horombo Hut. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Rising (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-5 hours
Climatic habitat: Heath

Day 04

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

On day four, hikers climb gradually and then cross the lunar desert of the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach the campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp, hikers rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit hiking day.

Rising (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

Hikers and the team wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman's Point is very steep, and the ascent is slow and steady. From Gilman's, the route continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. The hikers and the team stay at the summit for a short time to take photos and enjoy the views before retracing the route all the way back to Horombo Hut.

Rising (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Stretch: 22 km
Hiking time: 10-13 hours
Climatic habitat: Arctic

Day 06

Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

A long trek is in store for today; however, it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, hikers collect their certificate as proof of their achievement and catch the car transfer back to the hotel in Moshi.

Descend (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Stretch: 20 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic habitat: Rainforest