Relaxing by the pool, with the vast savanna stretching out before you

"Endless blue ocean in Zanzibar, a true tropical paradise

Chasing the sunset in the savanna, with the Land Cruiser as your front-row seat

Mount Kilimanjaro, towering above the plains in all its majestic glory

"In the heart of the savanna, a Land Cruiser surrounded by roaming buffalo

Elephant gracefully drinking from the waterhole, a moment of serenity in the wild

Marangu Route: 6 Days

The Marangu Route offers a rewarding trek with scenic landscapes, mountain huts, and a chance to summit the "Roof of Africa" in just 6 days and 5 nights. Perfect for adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience with an additional day of exploration.

Trek Highlights

  • Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in mountain huts with beds, mattresses, and basic facilities.
  • Historic Route: Follow Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trail, famously called the "Coca-Cola Route."
  • Better Acclimatization: Extra day at Horombo Hut enhances your chances to reach Uhuru Peak successfully.
  • Scenic Diversity: Explore rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert environments.
  • Summit Achievement: Stand atop Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

6 Days / 5 Nights Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860 meters) to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters).
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 8 km (5 miles) | Habitat: Rainforest

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters).
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 12 km (7 miles) | Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Horombo Hut. Optional hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000 meters).
Hiking Time: 2–4 hours (optional hike) | Distance: 5 km (3 miles) round trip | Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 meters).
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles) | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), then descend to Horombo Hut.
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (ascent and descent) | Distance: 22 km (14 miles) | Habitat: Arctic (summit) and Heath (descent)

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860 meters).
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles) | Habitat: Heath and Rainforest

Pros and Cons of Marangu Route

Pros:

  • Hut accommodations offer shelter and comfort.
  • Additional acclimatization day increases summit success rates.
  • Scenic landscapes and relatively easier trails.

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during peak trekking seasons.
  • Less scenic variety as ascent and descent follow the same path.

Success Rates

6-Day Itinerary: Approximately 80-90% success rate. Proper preparation and gradual ascent are crucial for summit success.

Important Considerations

  • Acclimatization: The additional day helps your body adjust to the high altitude.
  • Physical Preparation: Regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises are recommended before the trek.
  • Weather: Ideal trekking seasons are from late June to October and late December to early March.

What's Included

  • Two nights at budget Hotel in Moshi (double or triple occupancy) before and after the climb.
  • First night includes breakfast; last night includes dinner and breakfast.
  • Qualified, experienced guides and mountain crew (guides, porters, cooks, and waiters).
  • Salaries for all crew members.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
  • Hut and camping fees.
  • Rescue fees (mandatory per park regulations).
  • High-quality tents, foam sleeping pads, and cooking equipment.
  • Complete cutlery and crockery.
  • Pulse oximeters for daily health monitoring.
  • Comprehensive first aid kit.
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • Boiled drinking water on the mountain.
  • Airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
  • Transfers to and from the Marangu Gate.
  • Accommodation and entry fees for guides, porters, cooks, and waiters.

What's Not Included

  • Single room supplement at budget Hotel.
  • Tips for guides, porters, cooks, and waiters.
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
  • Personal climbing gear (e.g., sleeping bags). Rental options available.
  • Car supplement of USD $145 for Lemosho, Rongai, or Shira Routes (if applicable).
  • Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, snacks).
  • Emergency oxygen.
  • Additional activities (e.g., waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included.
  • Visa fees and travel insurance.
  • International and domestic flight tickets.


Marangu Route: 6 Days / 5 Nights

What Our Trekkers Say

"The 6-day Marangu trek was an incredible journey. The Via Africa Expeditions team made every step memorable with their expertise and care. Reaching Uhuru Peak felt amazing!" - Alex K.
"Choosing the Marangu Route for 6 days was the best decision. The guides were outstanding, the views breathtaking, and the experience unforgettable. Via Africa Expeditions made it all seamless!" - Jamie L.

Choose Your Marangu Trek Duration

Experience the beauty of Kilimanjaro through the Marangu Route. Our 6-day trek offers the perfect balance of adventure and acclimatization for an unforgettable climb.

5 Days Marangu Trek

5 Days Marangu

View itinerary

"Absolutely the best safari experience! Unforgettable from start to finish." – John Doe

"Incredible views, amazing guides, and a truly unique adventure." – Jane Smith

"Highly recommend! Everything was beyond our expectations." – Michael Brown