Marangu Route – 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike | EquitorialStar

The Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route, also known as the ‘Coca Cola route’, is arguably the easiest route to summit the highest mountain in Africa. Its gentle slopes provide a gradual ascend with few steep sections mainly found close to the summit. Paradoxically, Marangu has a low success rate as many climbers underestimate trekking Mount Kilimanjaro through this route. It is a mountain after all, and a degree of physical fitness is required. Fortunately, we’ll have plenty of time to acclimatize.

Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route is also the only route that requires accommodation to be in huts; no camping allowed. Since accommodation is in dormitory-style huts, you can expect comfortable camping, sociable and jovial dining, as well as thrilling hiking experiences.

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route 6-day Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi – Moshi/ Marangu

Our journey to hike Mount Kilimanjaro begins in Nairobi with a long drive to Moshi or Marangu town. The drive goes through the diverse landscapes of the Kenyan countryside. We have lunch in Moshi/Marangu and spend the rest of the day adventuring. You can visit Kilasiya Falls or Chagga Museum or spend the day relaxing at the hotel

We prepare our equipment for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, have dinner, and an overnight stay. Spending the night at Moshi or Marangu town helps in acclimatization since they sit at the base of the mountain.

Day 2: Moshi/Marangu Town – Mount Kilimanjaro Mandara Hut

After breakfast, we drive to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park gate for clearance.

Our Mount Kilimanjaro trek begins through a well-maintained track that cuts through the beautiful rainforest. The trail can get slippery so gaiters are recommended. Along the way, we may see the local wildlife like the colobus monkeys or the elusive Hartlaub’s Turaco.

A 5-hour trek finally brings us to Mandara hut. We have dinner and an overnight stay

Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

The day starts early with a long trek to Horombo Hut. We continue trekking Mount Kilimanjaro as the lush rainforest slowly transitions to Moorland. The moorlands are home to the giant Lobelias and groundsel plants found only in the mountains of East Africa.

Halfway through our trek, we have lunch while enjoying the views of the amazing Mawenzi and Kibo peaks; two lesser-known Mount Kilimanjaro summits. We continue hiking Mount Kilimanjaro to Horombo hut.

The rest of the day is spent relaxing and exploring the surrounding areas. You can choose to visit the interesting Zebra rocks if time allows it. We have dinner and stay overnight at the Horombo hut.

Day 4: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

After breakfast, we continue our Mt. Kilimanjaro hike through the saddle of Kilimanjaro that separates the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The journey sees us pass the last watering point as the landscape changes from moorland to alpine desert. This lunar landscape has almost nothing to show in terms of vegetation but the views of the valleys below are phenomenal.

We continue trekking Mount Kilimanjaro until we reach Kibo hut. The trail merges with Rongai route and we likely run into climbers from other routes. We prepare our equipment for summiting day, have dinner, and rest early at Kibo hut.

Day 5:  Kibo Hut – Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit (Uhuru Peak) – Horombo Hut

The day starts early; a few minutes after midnight, as we endeavor to touch the highest point in Africa. We start trekking through the dark armed with handheld or head torches towards Gilman’s point. If we’re lucky to have a cloudless sky, this part of the hike will be mesmerizing. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with the Milky Way’s spiral arm in clear view and lighting our way is awestriking.

We trek up Mount Kilimanjaro through a steep path with heavy scree to Gilman Point. Watching the African sunrise light up the mountain and vast lands below makes the arduous trek worth it. You can choose the end the hike here and head back. You will still receive a certificate but we recommend conquering the mountain to the summit.

We continue trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, this time having a much easier time since the sun is out. Upon reaching the peak, we celebrate our achievement and enjoy the spectacular views atop the highest Mountain in Africa.

Our descent begins after some time on the peak. We follow the trail to Horombo hut to rest and stay overnight.

Day 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi/Nairobi

After breakfast, we continue descending the mountain at a steady pace. We pass through the moorlands and have lunch at the Mandara huts. Continuing to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, we go through the lush rainforest to arrive at Marangu Park gate. We receive our certificates and say goodbye to the mountain.

At this point, you have two options: spend the night in Moshi or depart to Nairobi. In Moshi, you can add a safari and explore more of Tanzania.

Note: spending the night in Moshi will add an extra day to the itinerary.

Join us for a thrilling adventure hiking Africa's highest Mountain!

Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu route 6-day hike charges upon request