6 Days Marangu trek
Trek Overview
The 6 Days/5 Nights Marangu Route offers a well-paced itinerary for those looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route that provides hut accommodations, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking a more comfortable experience. With an additional acclimatization day compared to the 5-day option, this itinerary increases your chances of reaching the summit while allowing for a more gradual adjustment to the altitude.
This route is great for trekkers who want to enjoy a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, without the need for camping. With the guidance of our experienced mountain guides, you’ll be supported every step of the way, ensuring a safe and memorable climb to the roof of Africa.
Detailed Itinerary
On your arrival day, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your time of arrival, you can rest and relax or have a briefing about Kilimanjaro and gears check with your mountain guide. This will give you a chance to make final preparations before beginning your adventure the next day.
Highlight: Lush rainforest and diverse wildlife.
After breakfast, you’ll depart from Moshi and head to Marangu Gate for registration. The trek begins at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) and ascends to 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) through a dense rainforest filled with towering trees, colorful birds, and unique plant life. This 8 km hike takes about 3-4 hours and offers a great introduction to Kilimanjaro’s rich ecosystems. You’ll spend the night at Mandara Hut, where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Highlight: Transition to the heather and moorland zone.
Today’s trek covers 11 km and takes about 5-6 hours as you move from 2,720 meters (8,924 feet) to 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). As you leave the rainforest behind, you’ll enter the heather and moorland zones, characterized by giant lobelias and other unique vegetation. Along the way, you’ll have stunning views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arriving at Horombo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize at this higher altitude.
Highlight: Acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks.
To help your body adjust to the altitude, today is an acclimatization day. You’ll take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980 meters/13,058 feet), a striking geological formation named for its distinctive black and white stripes. This hike helps prepare you for the higher elevations to come while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. After the hike, return to Horombo Hut for lunch, relaxation, and another night’s stay.
Highlight: Alpine desert and dramatic landscapes.
The trail from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut spans 9 km and takes about 5-6 hours. You’ll leave the heather and moorland behind and enter the alpine desert, characterized by sparse vegetation and rocky terrain. As you ascend from 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) to 4,720 meters (15,485 feet), the air becomes thinner, and the landscape more stark. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Highlight: Reaching Uhuru Peak and witnessing a spectacular sunrise.
The most challenging day of the trek starts around midnight. You’ll begin the steep ascent from 4,720 meters (15,485 feet) to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), the highest point in Africa. The climb to the summit takes about 7-8 hours, and as you reach Gillman’s Point at sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sun rising over the African plains. After celebrating your achievement at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a short break before continuing down to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.
Highlight: Completion of the journey and celebration.
On the final day, you’ll descend from Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) to Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) over a distance of 19 km, which takes about 5-6 hours. The trail takes you back through the heather and moorland zone and into the lush rainforest. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate with your team before transferring back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Pricing
Your experience is unique. Let’s discuss a pricing plan that perfectly suits your needs
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Marangu route?
Best time for Marangu route
Seasonal Advice:
The Marangu Route can be climbed year-round, but the best times are during the two dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer more stable weather conditions, making for a more comfortable and safer climb. The Marangu Route is known for its well-maintained trails and hut accommodations, which are particularly advantageous during the rainy season.
Accommodation in Marangu
The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations, providing a more comfortable experience for trekkers who prefer not to camp. The huts offer basic amenities such as beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas. Mandara Hut (2,720m) in the rainforest zone accommodates up to 60 people. Horombo Hut (3,720m) in the moorland zone can sleep 120 climbers and serves as an acclimatization point. Kibo Hut (4,720m) in the alpine desert is the base camp before the summit. It has dormitory-style bunk beds but is unheated, so climbers should be ready for cold conditions.
Marangu Expert Advice
The Marangu Route, often called the ‘Coca-Cola Route,’ is great for first-time climbers or those preferring hut accommodations. While it’s considered easier, don’t underestimate the challenge. Opt for the 6-day itinerary instead of 5 days to improve acclimatization. The huts can get busy, so bring earplugs for better sleep. Despite its ‘easier’ reputation, proper preparation and fitness are still crucial. Remember to stay hydrated, pace yourself, and listen to your guides. The route’s gradual slope makes for a gentler climb, but the final ascent is still demanding. Enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in mountain huts and take time to appreciate the diverse scenery along the way.
Popular machame FAQS
The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult to challenging. It involves steep ascents and longer trekking days, making it best suited for trekkers with some prior hiking experience.
Essential gear for the Marangu Route includes a high-quality sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, warm layers for colder nights, sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a daypack. While the huts provide bedding, trekkers should bring their own sleeping bags.
The Marangu Route is generally considered moderately difficult. While it features comfortable hut accommodations, the shorter trek duration can pose challenges for acclimatization, making it less suitable for novice trekkers without a good level of fitness. The 6-day option is recommended for better acclimatization compared to the 5-day trek, which has a higher risk of altitude sickness
The Marangu Route is renowned for its scenic beauty and unique vegetation zones. Trekkers can experience lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and stunning views of Kibo Peak. The route also offers the opportunity to visit the Mandara and Horombo Huts, which serve as excellent rest points and provide a chance to interact with fellow trekkers.
The success rate for reaching the summit via the Marangu Route varies but is generally around 70-80%. This rate can be influenced by factors such as acclimatization, fitness levels, and weather conditions. Opting for the 6-day itinerary can significantly improve your chances of summiting successfully.
Before embarking on the Marangu Route, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider about altitude sickness and consider medications such as Diamox (acetazolamide) to help with acclimatization. Staying hydrated, maintaining a
The Marangu Route attracts a diverse range of trekkers, with ages typically ranging from 18 to 65 years old. It is popular among both younger adventurers and older trekkers due to its hut accommodations and relatively moderate difficulty level, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Trivia About Machame
Bill Clinton – 2005: The former U.S. President climbed to raise awareness for global health issues.
Mia Farrow – 2009: The actress and activist climbed to support humanitarian efforts, especially for children in Darfur.
Mikhail Gorbachev – 2002: The former Soviet leader climbed to promote environmental awareness.
Megan Fox – 2010: The actress climbed to raise awareness for global health and environmental issues.
Richard Branson – 2010: The entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group climbed to raise funds for charity.
Youngest Climber:
The youngest person to successfully climb Kilimanjaro is Mikayla McGowan, who reached the summit at the age of 7 in 2010.
Oldest Climber:
The oldest person to climb Kilimanjaro is Anne Lorimor, who summited at the age of 89 in 2019.
Fastest Climb:
The fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro is held by Kilian Jornet, who completed it in just under 7 hours in 2010.
Lemosho Route:
This route starts further west and can connect with the Machame Route on the way to the summit.
Shira Route:
This route also begins in the west and intersects with the Machame Route, providing stunning views.
Umbwe Route:
This is a more challenging route that can join the Machame Route as climbers approach the summit.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents