7 Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Marangu Route (6 Days on the Mountain)
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the oldest and best-known path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. With its gradual slopes and comfortable huts instead of tents, it is the gentlest route on the mountain and a good choice for first-time climbers and anyone who wants a little more comfort. You climb through lush rainforest, moorland and alpine desert to the snow-capped Uhuru Peak, with an extra day at Horombo Huts to help you acclimatise.
Days on the mountain: 6 · Summit: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m · Accommodation: mountain huts · Starts and ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Marangu
Accommodation
| Night 1 · Marangu | Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort (bed and breakfast) |
|---|---|
| Night 2 · Mandara Huts | Mountain hut, 2,700 m |
| Nights 3–4 · Horombo Huts | Mountain hut, 3,720 m |
| Night 5 · Kibo Huts | Mountain hut, 4,703 m |
| Night 6 · Horombo Huts | Mountain hut, 3,720 m |
Itinerary
- 1Kilimanjaro Airport Start
- 2Marangu 1 night
- 3Mount Kilimanjaro 5 nights
- 2Marangu Finish
By road
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro – Marangu
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our representative meets you and drives you to the Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, close to the park gate. Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort.
Overnight (bed and breakfast)
Day 2: Marangu Gate – Mandara Huts (LD)
After breakfast, drive the short distance to Marangu Gate, the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park, to check in and register. Your climb begins through the forest, where you can admire the trees and many kinds of birds. If you are lucky, you may spot a colobus monkey or two, so keep an eye out for black and white fur. The low altitudes can be wet and muddy, so wear good boots. Dinner and overnight at Mandara Huts.
Hiking: 5–7 hours · Overnight: Mandara Huts, about 2,700 m (8,858 ft) · Rainforest
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mandara Huts – Horombo Huts (FB)
Walk the last stretch of woodland as the wide moorland opens up in front of you, with the jagged peaks of Mawenzi rising towards the sky. It is common to start feeling the altitude at this height, so pay attention to how you feel and tell your guide at the first sign of illness. At Horombo Huts, unpack and enjoy the view of Kibo before dinner. Overnight at Horombo Huts.
Hiking: 5–7 hours · Overnight: Horombo Huts, about 3,720 m (12,205 ft) · Heath and moorland
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Huts – Acclimatisation Day (FB)
Spend an extra day at Horombo Huts to let your body adjust to the altitude. If you are showing any signs of illness or feel very tired, rest at camp. If you feel well, walk up towards Mawenzi Hut for an incredible view of Kibo and Mawenzi, or to the remarkable Zebra Rocks, a climb of about 310 metres. Keep a steady pace and enjoy the magnificent landscape. Overnight at Horombo Huts.
Acclimatisation walk · Overnight: Horombo Huts, about 3,720 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Huts – Kibo Huts (FB)
Today’s walk crosses varied and strikingly beautiful landscapes, as the heath slowly gives way to the dry, empty highland “saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, scattered with volcanic rocks from the mountain’s past. The final stretch to Kibo Huts is steep and tiring. At Kibo, organise your equipment and warm clothes for summit night, keep your drinking water in a thermos so it does not freeze, and go to bed early. Overnight at Kibo Huts.
Hiking: 5–7 hours · Overnight: Kibo Huts, about 4,703 m (15,430 ft) · Alpine desert
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Huts – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Huts (FB)
Wake around midnight for a small meal before setting off. Many climbers find this the hardest part of the climb, on loose, rocky ground. The aim is to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim by dawn, so that you reach Uhuru shortly after sunrise. After a short stop to enjoy the view, follow the edge of the crater on a steady incline to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa; depending on the season, you may walk on snow. Take your photo at the summit sign, then head back down to Kibo Huts, which goes surprisingly quickly, for lunch, before continuing down to Horombo Huts for a well-deserved night’s rest.
Summit night and descent: a long day of about 12–14 hours · Highest point: 5,895 m · Overnight: Horombo Huts, about 3,720 m
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate (B)
Make the final descent through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your mountain crew. You then leave Kilimanjaro National Park for a much-needed shower and a celebration dinner.
Hiking: 5–7 hours · Down to Marangu Gate, about 1,843 m · Moorland and rainforest
Breakfast
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb Prices
Prices are per person and depend on how many people are climbing together.
Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
6 days on the mountain, with a night at Marangu before the climb
From $2,156 per person
| Group size | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people | 6 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | On request | $2,365 | $2,255 | $2,156 |
Prices are in US dollars per person sharing, for the full climb as described, including everything listed under Package Includes. Valid for climbs in 2026 and 2027. For other group sizes, please contact us.
Optional Extras
- Extra night at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort – US$ 80 per person
- Transfer from Marangu Gate to Arusha – US$ 190
Package Includes
- Pick-up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu
- One night at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort before the climb, with breakfast
- Transfers to and from Marangu Gate
- Accommodation in mountain huts on the climb
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner), served hot in a mess tent from the second day
- Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, trained as first-aid responders, plus porters and a cook
- A summit porter to carry your daypack and water on summit night, so you climb with nothing on your back
- Emergency oxygen at no extra cost, a comprehensive first-aid kit carried by every guide, and a fingertip pulse oximeter to check your oxygen levels and pulse
- 24-hour standby radio communication
- A hot water bottle for your sleeping bag at night
- Snacks during the climb
- Bottled drinking water for each climber on the first day
- Summit certificate
Package Excludes
- Personal climbing gear and sleeping bag (some gear can be hired; ask us)
- Flying Doctors membership for emergency helicopter evacuation
- Tips for your guides, porters and cook
- Drinks, international flights, visas, travel insurance and personal expenses
- Accommodation after the climb
