Overview
Marangu Route 6 Days – Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
The main tourist route and by far the most popular route and some claim the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. The 5-day option, which is available on this route, makes it the least expensive route on the mountain. A 6-day option with an extra day of acclimatization is however also available. This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and chocolates are also sold at every camp.
Highlights
- Only route with permanent huts for sleeping.
- Budget-friendly with the option of a shorter 5-day itinerary.
- Budget-conscious adventurers looking for an efficient yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
- Those seeking a comfortable trekking experience with communal facilities.
- Extra day at Horombo Hut for rest or a trek to Mawenzi Peak for added adventure.
- Usually completed in 5 days, with a 6-day option for improved acclimatization.
Itinerary
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2 mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8 mi Approx.
Time taken: 9 hours
The trek to Zebra Rocks is a key acclimatization activity for climbers on the Marangu Route. This short yet rewarding hike improves your chances of successfully summiting Mount Kilimanjaro while providing stunning views and unique geological features.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Trail: The trek begins with a gradual ascent through a beautiful high-altitude moorland landscape, dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias.
- Geological Marvel: Zebra Rocks, named for their striking black-and-white striped patterns, are a natural wonder created by centuries of mineral staining on the rocks. The site offers an excellent opportunity for photography.
- Acclimatization Benefits: Spending time at 4,020m and returning to sleep at a lower altitude helps your body adapt to the thin air, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
- Wildlife and Flora: Spot unique high-altitude plants and occasional wildlife such as rock hyraxes.
Return to Horombo Hut:
After spending some time at Zebra Rocks, you’ll descend back to Horombo Hut (3,700m) for rest, dinner, and overnight stay, feeling more prepared for the days ahead.
This acclimatization trek not only enhances your chances of reaching the summit but also enriches your Kilimanjaro experience with its captivating sights and opportunities to connect with nature.
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Approx. time taken: 7 hours
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
Approx. time taken: 12hours – 15hours
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9 mi Approx.
Time taken: 3 hours
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- VAT fees and Charges
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Portable toilets and toilets tents
- Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- Insurance fees
- Cost of Tanzania Visa.
- Bank charges
- Personal Expenses
FAQs
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons, from mid-June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies and better weather conditions for the climb.
There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains in November. While weather can vary, the dry months of July, August, September, and part of October, January, and February are considered the high season. The transition months—December, March, and June—are less predictable. The wettest months, with heavy rains and poor visibility, are April, May, and November.
For those seeking clear skies and good visibility, climbing during the dry season is ideal. However, some climbers prefer summiting during a full moon for a bright, beautiful ascent under the moonlight, adding to the experience with enhanced visibility and stunning landscapes.
Our guides are highly experienced, with years of climbing Kilimanjaro to earn their KINAPA National Park license. They are Wilderness First Responders, trained to handle injuries or emergencies.
They are proficient in using medical equipment, including oxygen, pressure altitude chambers, and stretchers. In case of an emergency, they can quickly facilitate communication with the Jaribu base using our Thuraya satellite phone.
Guides are also trained to assess when an evacuation is necessary and know how to carry it out safely.
The most flexible way of adjusting to the ever-changing conditions as you trek higher is the layering of several thin articles of clothing which you can add or remove as the conditions dictate.
Choosing the right route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your preferences, experience, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it’s the only route with hut accommodation and is popular for its relatively easier ascent. It’s ideal for those with limited backpacking experience and for those seeking a shorter climb (5-6 days).
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Machame Route: This is one of the most popular routes, offering stunning scenery and a slightly more challenging climb. It’s suitable for climbers looking for a more immersive experience with varied landscapes (6-7 days).
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Rongai Route: For a more remote, less crowded experience, the Rongai route is ideal. It’s the only route approaching from the north and is great for avoiding heavy rainfall during the rainy season (6-7 days).
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Lemosho Route: This route is known for its beautiful scenery and a longer duration (7-8 days), which provides better acclimatization. It’s ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience with a slower ascent.
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Northern Circuit: The longest and newest route, offering incredible views and a true wilderness experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a more gradual ascent and an off-the-beaten-path experience (9 days).
The time needed (days, weeks, or months) to train for Kilimanjaro depends upon your level of fitness. But usually, it requires around a month to be prepared for your trek. It is advisable to do staircase training, cardiovascular exercises and upper body exercises. Eat right and do more of aerobic exercises before the trip. Also if possible you can climb a hill to practice for the trek. Overall it is not necessary to be perfectly fit for climbing the mountain. As apart from physical training, mental preparedness is more important for high success rate on the summit.
For experienced climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro will take around 5 to 6 days to reach the top, and is not that hard. Even for new climbers, our guides will help you climb the mountain with ease. But you need to give extra days for acclimatization for maximum success rate at the summit. For new climbers however, climbing Kilimanjaro becomes easier with our trained professionals and porters who help the climbers carry their essential equipment or gear up the summit.
We recommend you wearing multiple layers of clothing. It is the best way to keep your body in the desired temperature range no matter what the environment is. The temperatures you may encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro can be over 37 °C (degrees Celsius); 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) to well below zero.
At the Uhuru Point, temperatures can range between -7 °C to -29 °C (degrees Celsius); 20 °F to -20 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). Mount Kilimanjaro has extreme, variable, and impossible weather to predict. It is therefore advised to get many layers of clothing gear for the trek. Layering helps keep the body warm in extreme cold wave conditions on the summit. Migration Venture Africa provides these gears as a rental option as well.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are from January-March and June-October. Generally, January-March is colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit. It depends on the climbers whether they want to experience the snow-covered peaks of the summit or the more pleasant time period after June. The beauty of the mountain is at its best during the dry season of June-October. It is advisable to climb the mountain during this time.
A comfortable sleep is very important to get reenergized at next morning to continue the trek. Kilimanjaro gear is necessary for a cozy sleep. Essential gear like a K-way sleeping bag, foam mattress, and Kilimanjaro pillow can be carried on the trek. Migration Venture Africa also provides these gears on rent for which it is necessary to apply beforehand. You can speak to our staff personally regarding any queries about the Kilimanjaro gears.
