6Days climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro’s Snow-Capped Summit Awaits
Experience Kilimanjaro
A World-Class Expedition
Conquer Kilimanjaro in 6 days on the scenic Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route. This classic trek takes you through dense rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrains, leading you to the summit at Uhuru Peak.
Experience breathtaking views, excellent acclimatization opportunities, and the satisfaction of standing atop Africa’s highest peak, all while enjoying the comfort of hut accommodations along the way. This adventure offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward, making it an unforgettable journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Customizable Itinerary
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses tented camps and hotels.
Group Adventure
Shared adventure, stunning views, unforgettable summit experience.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Activities & Transportation
- Activities: Kilimanjaro Trekking
- Transfer : To and back to the airport is included
Climbing Highlights
An Unforgettable 6-Day Kilimanjaro Adventure via Marangu Route
Marangu Route Trek: Start your 6-day Kilimanjaro journey via the classic Marangu Route. Hike through lush rainforests, ascend alpine meadows, and cross rocky terrains, all leading to the iconic summit at Uhuru Peak.
Stunning Landscapes: Discover Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems, from verdant rainforests to alpine deserts, with breathtaking views of Tanzania’s landscapes at every step.
Challenging Yet Rewarding: The Marangu Route offers a well-graded trail, with excellent acclimatization options, maximizing your chances for a successful summit.
Breathtaking Summit Experience: Reach the top of Africa’s highest peak, and witness a magical sunrise, with panoramic views of the Serengeti and surrounding regions.
Comfortable Huts: Rest in cozy hut accommodations along the route, with experienced guides and porters ensuring a safe and memorable adventure.
Customizable Itinerary
Day by Day
Day 1: Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver. After completing any necessary paperwork, enjoy a scenic drive to your hotel in Moshi, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Once checked in, relax and prepare for your upcoming trek. Take the opportunity to rest and acclimatize while your guide briefs you about the journey ahead. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Moshi.
What's Include
- : Park and Airport Transfer
- : Activity
- : Depend on time you Arrive , & Drinking water
- : Accommodation : African Tulip Hotel
African Tulip Hotel
Golden Tulip Arusha
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll depart for the Marangu Gate (1,860 m), the starting point of your Kilimanjaro climb. After registration, begin your trek through lush rainforests, filled with diverse plant life and wildlife. The trail is well-maintained and offers a relatively gradual ascent.
Hiking Distance: 8 km
Altitude: 1,860 m to 2,700 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
As you trek through the dense forest, enjoy the chance to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. The day’s destination is Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where you’ll spend the night. This is a short and steady hike, allowing for good acclimatization.
Overnight stay at Mandara Hut, with panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding areas.
What's Include
- : Activity
- : All Meals & Drinking water
- : Accommodation :Mandara Hut
Mit Mkubwa Camp
Kilimanjaro Campsite
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast, continue your climb to Horombo Hut, situated at 3,720 meters. The trail begins with a gentle ascent, passing through a variety of landscapes, from rainforest to alpine meadows. The vegetation begins to change, and you’ll start to notice the typical Kilimanjaro flora, including giant lobelias and groundsel plants. Along the way, take in magnificent views of the Mawenzi Peak, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro.
Hiking Distance: 12 km
Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
This is a longer day of hiking, but the slow, steady pace allows for proper acclimatization. Upon reaching Horombo Hut, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and take in the surrounding views.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut, where you will enjoy stunning vistas of the mountain’s peaks and the surrounding valleys.
What's Include
- : Activity
- : All Meals & Drinking water
- : Accommodation :Horombo Hut
Mit Mkubwa Camp
Kilimanjaro Campsite
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
After breakfast, begin your ascent towards Kibo Hut, located at 4,700 meters. The landscape gradually changes as you leave the alpine meadows behind and enter the stark, semi-desert zone. This section of the climb is challenging, with a steep and consistent incline, but the views are spectacular as you approach the final camp before the summit.
Hiking Distance: 10 km
Altitude: 3,720 m to 4,700 m
Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
The terrain is increasingly barren and exposed, with little vegetation, but the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are breathtaking. As you reach Kibo Hut, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the final summit push the following night.
Overnight stay at Kibo Hut. At this altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air, so it’s important to rest well and hydrate.
What's Include
- : Activity
- : All Meals & Drinking water
- : Accommodation :Shira Camping Camp
Mit Mkubwa Camp
Kilimanjaro Campsite
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut
Start your final ascent to Uhuru Peak in the early hours of the morning, typically around midnight, to reach the summit by sunrise. The climb is strenuous and involves a steep and rocky trail, passing through the ‘Gilmans Point’ at 5,681 meters before finally reaching the summit at 5,895 meters.
Hiking Distance: 6 km to Uhuru Peak
Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
Estimated Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to summit
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding glaciers and the vast expanse of Tanzania. After reaching Uhuru Peak, take time to celebrate your achievement and snap a few photos before beginning your descent.
The return journey takes you back down to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and then continues down to Horombo Hut for an overnight stay. The descent can be tough on your knees, but it’s essential for your acclimatization.
Hiking Distance: 15 km (descent)
Altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) to 3,720 m (Horombo Hut)
Estimated Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut.
What's Include
- : Activity
- : All Meals & Drinking water
- : Accommodation :Horombo Hut.
Mit Mkubwa Camp
Kilimanjaro Campsite
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Hotel
On your final day, after a restful night at Horombo Hut, you’ll begin your descent to Marangu Gate. The trek takes you through beautiful montane forest, with lush vegetation and glimpses of wildlife along the way. As you descend, enjoy the cool atmosphere and the sense of accomplishment for having reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Hiking Distance: 20 km
Altitude: 3,720 m (Horombo Hut) to 1,830 m (Marangu Gate)
Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will sign out and receive your well-earned certificate of achievement for summiting Kilimanjaro. From here, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to relax and celebrate your unforgettable adventure.
Customizable Itinerary
Included
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless ask for upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclude
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals( not specified in the day-by-day section)
Customer Reviews
"I had the most incredible experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route with this team! The 6-day itinerary was perfect for acclimatization, and the guides were amazing. The views were spectacular, and reaching Uhuru Peak was an unforgettable achievement. Highly recommend!"
"Our 6-day climb on the Marangu Route was everything we hoped for and more. The guides and porters made us feel safe and supported every step of the way. The accommodation was comfortable, and the summit experience at sunrise was beyond words. A life-changing adventure!"
"The Marangu Route was challenging but rewarding. We appreciated the gradual ascent and beautiful scenery along the way. The highlight was definitely the summit day, although the weather was a bit unpredictable. Overall, a fantastic experience and great service from the team."
"Climbing Kilimanjaro has been a dream of mine for years, and the 6-day Marangu route didn’t disappoint! The trek was stunning, and the team’s professionalism ensured we had the best possible experience. The support from the guides and porters made all the difference. Highly recommend this company for anyone looking to climb Kilimanjaro."
"An amazing adventure! The trek through different ecosystems was beautiful, and we felt well-prepared thanks to the guidance and encouragement of the team. The Marangu Route offers a more gradual ascent, which made the climb manageable, but be ready for a challenging summit day!"
Customizable Itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions .
How difficult is the 7-Day Machame Route?
The 7-Day Machame Route is a challenging trek, requiring good physical fitness. It involves hiking at high altitudes and includes steep sections. However, with proper acclimatization and a positive attitude, most trekkers can complete it successfully.
How is acclimatization handled on the Machame Route?
Acclimatization is carefully managed on the Machame Route with a gradual ascent, allowing trekkers to spend time at higher elevations before descending for the night. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and gives your body time to adjust.
Do I need any special training to climb Kilimanjaro?
While no technical mountaineering skills are required, climbers should be in good physical shape. A basic fitness routine involving hiking, cardio, and endurance exercises will help prepare your body for the challenge.
Is a guide required for climbing Kilimanjaro?
Yes, it is mandatory to have a licensed guide when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides from The Big Elephant Adventures will ensure your safety, assist with navigating the trail, and offer valuable insights about the mountain’s environment.
What is the success rate of reaching the summit?
The success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro on the 7-Day Machame Route is higher than shorter routes because of the extra time for acclimatization. Following the recommended pace and advice from your guide significantly increases your chances of success.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Preparation involves regular physical exercise, particularly aerobic activities and strength training. Hiking on inclines, walking long distances, and training with a loaded backpack will help you prepare for the demands of the trek. Additionally, ensure you are mentally prepared for the challenge.
What happens if I can’t reach the summit?
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves significant challenges, and not everyone reaches the summit. Your safety is our top priority. If conditions do not allow you to continue to the top, your guide will assess the situation, and you’ll be taken back to a lower camp for rest and recovery.
What meals are provided during the trek?
On the trek, we provide three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are designed to be nutritious and energy-boosting to support your trek, with options for various dietary preferences if communicated in advance.
Can I extend my trip to include a safari or Zanzibar?
Yes! We offer optional extensions to experience a safari in Tanzania’s wildlife-rich national parks or relax on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Contact us for more information on adding these adventures to your Kilimanjaro trek package.