6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb - Bush Lion Tours

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6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

6 Days

Tour Overview

The 6 Days Marangu Route is one of the best options for climbers who want extra time for acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. This route is also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” and is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers comfortable mountain hut accommodation instead of tents. The trail begins on the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and passes through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to open moorland and alpine desert zones.

Choosing the 6 Days Marangu Route allows an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, helping your body adjust to altitude more naturally. This makes the climb safer and more enjoyable, especially for first-time trekkers. With experienced guides, well-maintained trails, and comfortable huts, this route offers a classic and rewarding Kilimanjaro experience, ending with a successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Trip Highlights

  • Extra Acclimatization Day: An additional day at Horombo Hut improves altitude adjustment and summit success.
  • Comfortable Mountain Huts: Sleep in shared huts with beds, mattresses, and dining areas for extra comfort.
  • Beautiful Rainforest Trail: Walk through lush green forests filled with wildlife, birds, and fresh mountain air.
  • Scenic Moorland Views: Enjoy wide open landscapes and stunning views as you climb higher each day.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak: Stand on the roof of Africa and celebrate your success at 5,895 meters above sea level.

Trip Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later in the day, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a full briefing about the 6 Days Marangu Route climb. The guide will explain the route, daily trekking plan, safety procedures, and altitude awareness. A complete equipment check will be done to ensure you have all required mountain gear. Any missing items can be rented in Moshi on this day.

Meals: No meals included
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Moshi to Marangu Gate. After registration and meeting your mountain crew, the trek begins through lush rainforest. The trail passes through moss-covered trees and tropical vegetation, with chances to see blue monkeys and birdlife. This gentle first day helps your body start adapting to altitude. After 4–6 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and overnight.

Elevation Gain: 840m
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. The landscape becomes more open, with wide views and fresh mountain air. After a steady climb, Horombo Hut appears beneath the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. From here, you enjoy stunning panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the Masai steppe below. This is an important acclimatization day on the 6 Days Marangu Route.

Distance: 12.5 km / 7.8 miles
Time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, greatly increasing your chances of reaching the summit. After breakfast, you hike gradually toward the Zebra Rocks, named for their unique black-and-white striped appearance. The trek takes about 4 hours round trip. After reaching the highest point, you descend back to Horombo Hut for a warm lunch. The afternoon is spent resting and regaining energy for the higher altitude days ahead.

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Time: ~4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a long and challenging trek across the alpine desert zone. You pass the “Last Water Point” before crossing the Saddle, a wide, dry plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Vegetation is minimal, and the altitude becomes more noticeable. After 5–7 hours of trekking, you arrive at Kibo Hut. An early dinner is served, followed by rest, as you prepare for the summit attempt later that night.

Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles
Time: ~7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Around midnight, you begin the summit ascent under the stars. The climb is slow and demanding, passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220m. At sunrise, you reach Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, where incredible views unfold. After a short rest, you continue for 1–2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight recovery.

Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you descend through the moorland and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate. You stop at Mandara Hut for lunch along the way. At the gate, you complete park formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificates. You are then transferred back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower and well-earned rest await.

Distance: 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Time: ~6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This day is free for relaxation after your climb. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town, shop for souvenirs, or relax before your transfer to the airport. Optional extensions such as Tanzania safaris or Zanzibar beach holidays can be arranged upon request.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Includes

  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
  • Pre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
  • Park Fees And Permits
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • 4 Season Mountain Tents
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Safety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
  • Portable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
  • Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
  • Flights to/from Tanzania
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
  • Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
  • Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
  • Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
  • Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
  • Laundry (Available at hotel).
Group Discount Available
From $1600
/ Adult
  • Unbeatable Value Assurance - ( Discover extraordinary adventures )
  • Effortless Reservation Process - ( No booking hassles )
  • Transparent Pricing, Zero Surprises - ( No hidden costs )
  • Expertise Beyond Measure - ( Team of seasoned experts )
  • Your Joy, Our Priority - ( Happiness Commitment )
6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb