Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot playful blue monkeys in the tropical rainforest
02 Marvel at the stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks
03 Experience the unique landscapes during the acclimatization hike
04 Cross the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo
05 Reach the Roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak
06 Receive your certificate at Marangu Gate for your achievement

An exhilarating journey up Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, known as the 'Coca-Cola' route, this trek follows Kilimanjaro's oldest and most well-established path. Ascend from Marangu Gate through lush rainforest with playful blue monkeys, then continue across heath and moorland to the lunar desert of the 'Saddle.' The climb culminates in a triumphant summit at Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, before you descend through the mountain's breathtaking landscapes and collect your certificate at Marangu Gate.

You wake up 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 Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages Danish, English, French, German, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Trek to Mandara Hut

Your tour guide will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Head to Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities. The trail climbs through a tropical rainforest near the upper edge of the forest line, where you may sometimes see playful blue monkeys. The trail then widens to reveal beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Hut: Mandara Hut

Day 02

Ascend to Horombo Hut

The second day on the trail starts with a steep ascent through the forest and opens into high moorland. If the sky is clear, you might get your first views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, which together form the summit area of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath / Moorland

Day 03

Acclimatization Hike to Mawenzi Hut

This extra day is used for acclimatization. You hike towards, or up to, Mawenzi Hut and then return to Horombo Hut. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day 04

Cross the Saddle to Kibo Hut

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

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

You wake up 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 will be slow and steady. From Gilman's, you traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. You stay at the summit briefly to take photos and enjoy the views before retracing your steps back to Horombo Hut.

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Departure

Today's trek is long but mostly downhill. Once you reach the park headquarters at Marangu Gate, you will collect your certificate proving your achievement.
Catch your vehicle transfer to the hotel in Moshi, and then drive to Kilimanjaro Airport.

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Where this trip takes you

Uhuru Peak, Gilman's Point, Kibo Hut, the 'Saddle' lunar desert

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees
Camp fees
Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services, which costs nearly 55% of the total amount charged
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Pre- and post-trek accommodation: 2 nights at a hotel in Moshi town with bed and breakfast (BB) meal plan

What's Not Included

Both national and international flights
Medical insurance
Visa cost, which is $50 except for Canadian and USA passport holders, for whom it is $100
Tips to the mountain crew
Items of a personal nature
Laundry services
A doctor for the group
Alcoholic beverages
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra ($150 per toilet + toilet tent)

What to bring

How do you arrange for support crews to carry a backpack? The support crews' pack on Kilimanjaro is limited to 20 kg. Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, a camera, rain pants, and a jacket at a minimum.
Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the support crew until you reach your hut at the end of your day of hiking. Bring double extra batteries, as cold weather quickly shortens their life. Carry critical climbing gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.
SLEEPING BAG
- Sleeping bag (rated -10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder is recommended)
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
CLOTHING
- You want your inner layer to be wicking - no cotton. The next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important, as temperatures vary greatly.
- Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, undergarments, and socks
- Sports bras for women (roads can be bumpy), sweater, jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, pants, or rain poncho
COLD WEATHER CLOTHING
- Long underwear, fleece jacket or wool sweater, fleece pants, mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
- Wool or pile hat, balaclava or neck gaiter, hand and foot warmers (chemically activated), down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)
FOOTWEAR
- Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike.
- Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle support - not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening, hiking socks for warmer conditions, and wool socks for colder conditions
BAGGAGE
- Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover for support crews to carry, and a day pack with rain cover for you to carry

Know before you go

A fully customized tour with your trekking and safari experts.
By supporting a local business, you are helping to support job security in the community. Most of the profit goes to vulnerable groups in our community; we support women's development groups, street children, and orphanages. Doors are open to anyone who wants to support them with anything.
Close attention is given to the client's safety because safety and trust are essential for an enjoyable journey.
Fair wages for the mountain crew are approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA).
The Marangu Route, known as the 'Coca-Cola' route, is Kilimanjaro's oldest and most well-established route. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead 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.
Scenic Beauty: The Marangu Route, often called the 'Coca-Cola Route,' is renowned for its stunning scenery. Trekkers pass through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and barren volcanic terrain.
Comfortable Accommodations: Unlike other routes on Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route features basic but comfortable accommodations in mountain huts along the trail. This provides a more sheltered and sociable experience compared to camping.
Gradual Ascent: The Marangu Route offers a relatively gradual ascent, allowing trekkers more time to acclimatize to the altitude. This can increase the chances of summit success and reduce the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Iconic Kilimanjaro Views: Climbers on the Marangu Route are rewarded with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's iconic volcanic features, including the stunning glaciers and the imposing summit of Uhuru Peak.
Summit Attempt: The climax of the trek is the summit attempt on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Trekkers typically start their ascent in the early morning and trek through the night to reach the summit for sunrise.
Sense of Achievement: Standing on the Roof of Africa is a truly unforgettable experience and a remarkable achievement. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching Uhuru Peak after days of trekking is unparalleled.
Overall, the 6-day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro climbing adventure offers a perfect balance of challenge, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for climbers of all levels.