6 Days Marangu Route

Overview of 6 Days Marangu Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Marangu route 6 Days itinerary is known as the “Coca-Cola” route. As the only route that has the luxury of sleeping huts along the way, the Marangu route is popular among those who want a bit more comfort while undertaking this classic trek. It has a gentle slope for the first several days, before the tough summit attempt from Kibo Hut (4720m from the sea level). Regarded as the least difficult of all routes, Marangu is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts furnished with the wooden-bunk beds and thick foam mattresses; they are also fitted with solar system lights. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles. This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. An extra day for acclimatization to the altitude is recommended at Horombo Huts from where there are various walks to enjoy.

NOTE. All customers traveling with Zorilla Safaris and Treks are required to have fully comprehensive travel insurance prior of their trip. The policy needs to be legitimate from the date that the initial order is placed so as to provide cover for a cancellation prior to departure.

6 Days Marangu Route Summary.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 6 days
• Accommodation: In comfortable huts furnished with wooden-bunk beds and thick foam mattresses
• The huts are fitted with solar system lights
• Meals are served in dining halls
• Bathrooms with cold showers
• Clean flush toilets

The Detailed Itinerary for 6 Days Marangu Route trek

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,970m) to Mandara Huts (2,700m)

• Altitudes (ASL): 1,970m – 2720m
• Distance covered: 7km
• Trekking time: 3 – 4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Altitude gained: 730m

Soon after early breakfast, drive from Hotel/lodge to Marangu Gate, the headquarter offices in Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park. On arrival here, you will sign and make the final preparations for starting the climb. Make sure that you have with you the day pack and all the items you will need to use on today’s hiking. You are now leaving the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest is covered with mist and dripping with beards of moss. It is also in this zone where animals and birds are found. The animals are Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobuses, Vervet monkeys, Duikers, etc. The birds are Hartlaub’s Turaco, Hornbills, Bee-eaters, Flycatchers, etc. First overnight at Mandara Huts, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Water is piped into the camp and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700m) to Horombo Huts (3,720m)

• Altitudes (ASL): 2700m – 3720m
• Distance covered: 11km
• Trekking time: 6 – 7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Altitude gained: 1020m

From Mandara Hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater emerging into the transition zone from rain forest to moorland. After about 6 hours from here we will reach Horombo Hut where will we stay overnight. Make the most of the hot washing water available here.

Day 3: Horombo Hut (Acclimatization)

• Altitude (ASL): 3720,
• Habitat: Moorland,
• Hiking time: 4½ – 5 hours

This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for good acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1½ hours down), is highly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.

Day 4: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Kibo Huts (4,700m)

• Altitudes (ASL): 3720m – 4700m
• Distance covered: 9.5km
• Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Altitude gained: 980m

We continue our ascent into the Alpine desert zone passing the last place where water is available at 4130m. We will fill our water bottles with all the water we will need until our return to Horombo Hut in two night’s time.  From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. We will make our summit ascent tonight so we will go to sleep at 18:30pm and try to get as much rest as possible.

Day 5: Kibo Huts (4,700) to  Uhuru Peak (5,895m) then to Horombo Huts (3,720m)

• Altitudes (ASL): 4700m – 5895m
• Distance covered: 6km to summit, 6km back to Kibo Huts, and 9.5km to Horombo Huts totalling 21 ½ km
• Trekking time: 6 – 7 hours ascening, 3 hours descending to Kibo Huts, another 3 hours descent to Horombo Huts
• Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit
• Altitude gained (Kibo Huts to Summit): 1195m
• Altitude lost (Summit to Horombo Huts): 2,175m

This day is the “Big day”. It starts at midnight when you wake up with some light snack and tea or coffee before leaving for the summit attempt. The habitat here is just stone scree and the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150m where you take a short rest. From here the way keeps on zigzagging towards the Gillman’s point at 5,685m. Reaching here is an achievement too and, there is a certificate for that waiting for you. As for Gilman’s Point onwards to the Summit you got to be cautious, slow up, but surely and with courage and consistency you are at Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. It is the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Sometimes weather conditions can be so harsh and you will just spend a few minutes then embark on your descent.

Back at Kibo Hut, you will have a hot soup and some snacks, toasts, and a short rest. From here then continue down to Horombo Huts where you will spend the overnight. Later in the evening, you enjoy your dinner and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Day 6: Horombo Huts (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,970m)

• Altitudes (ASL): 3720m – 1920m
• Altitude lost: 1,750m
• Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest
• Distance covered: 18 km
• Trekking time: 6 – 7 hours

Soon ater early morning after breakfast, you will proceed with descent down across the Alpine moorland to passing Mandara Hut on the way to Marangu Gate; a descent of about 6 hours. Once at the Marangu Gate, you will sign for checking out and followed by summit certificates representation. Here, you will be handed a Green Certificate for having reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) or Silver Certificate for Stella Point (5759m), or a Gold Certificate for Uhuru Peak (5895m). After a short session of jubilation and farewell with your crew (guides, cook, and porters); and tipping of course, and having lunch you will take a waiting car and be transferred back to Arusha town where you will check in at your hotel/lodge in for a welcome shower, dinner and overnight. (3 hours drive)

Do not hesitate please to contact us for the tour costs and as well, for more information about this trip!