6 Day Marangu Kilimanjaro Trekking

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly choice, the Marangu Route could be a great fit for you. The route known as the "Coca-Cola Route" due to its popularity and offers comfortable hut accommodations along the way. It provides a straightforward trek with beautiful scenery and a unique chance to experience the mountain's diverse landscapes.
This route is typically less expensive compared to others, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage costs without sacrificing the adventure of reaching the summit. It is the only route that offers mountain huts instead of tents for the overnight stays. Altitude changes per day are significant, which is why this route is only suitable for experienced climbers.
The 6-day itinerary is a common choice as it allows climbers to acclimate more effectively, which can improve the chances of reaching the summit.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Depending at what time you arrive you will have pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Moshi to Mandara Huts (2750 m.), via Marangu Gate

- Walking time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation: +950 meters, ending up at 2750 meters
After breakfast we will pick you from your hotel and drive to Marangu gate where your permit for trekking will be issued. Gate formalities takes about 1 hour and then you start trekking after introduction to your team from Chief guide. The route begins at the National Park Marangu Gate at 1800 m. walk through the fascinating rain forest to the Mandara Hut at 2750 m for dinner and overnight

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts (3780 m.)

- Walking time: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: +1030 meters, ending up at 3780 meters

After breakfast we ascend through rolling alpine meadows containing giant Heather trees. Along this leisurely trail we can enjoy the flora and views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. A picnic lunch is served on the way to Horombo Hut. Finally, dinner and overnight is taken at Horombo Hut.

Day 3: Acclimatization day, Horombo hut to Zebra rocks (3959 m.)

-Walking time: 1 hr and ½ to and fro
- Elevation: +179 Meters, ending up at 3959 meters

After breakfast today you will have a short day of walk for acclimatization to the beautifully rocks coloured with black and white strips on the way to Mawenzi peak and back to Horombo hut for hot lunch

Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts (4700 m.)

- Walking time: 5-6 hours
- Elevation: +920 meters, ending up at 4700 meters
After a good night's rest we continue past the cactus-like” Senecious” and the "last water" stream and moves onto the lunar landscape on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi arrives Kibo Hut (4700m) for dinner and overnight

Day 5: Summit day

- Walking time: 6 – 7 hours up/6 to Horombo

The start for the summit is made in the early hours of the morning in order to reach Gillman’s Point (5680 m.) before dawn. From Gillman’s point one can witness the most panoramic and unforgettable sunrise. One hour walk away from Gilman’s you reach the highest point in Africa,
Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. The descent is less tiring and the night is spent at Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo Huts to Moshi via Marangu Gate

-Walking time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation: -1950 meters

Another half day's leisurely walk and one is back at the park entrance again where you have lunch at the gate. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Kili Trips safari vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.