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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.

"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