Trekking · Mount Kilimanjaro
The Only Hut-Based Route on Kilimanjaro
The Marangu Route — nicknamed the Coca-Cola Route — is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established path, and the only one where you sleep in mountain huts rather than tents. Dormitory bunks, mattresses and communal dining halls at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo make it the most comfortable way up the mountain.
Our 6-day version builds in a full acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, which lifts summit success rates considerably over the standard 5-day itinerary. The gradual gradient and shared ascent-descent trail make this the classic choice for first-time high-altitude trekkers.
- The only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodation
- Extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut
- Gentlest gradient — ideal for first-time climbers
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover included
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak — 19,341 ft
6 Days
5 Nights on the Mountain
72 km
Total Trekking Distance
Huts
No Tents Required
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
Registration at Marangu Gate, then a gentle climb through lush montane forest alive with blue monkeys and towering fig trees. An optional side trip to Maundi Crater rewards you with your first views over the Kenyan plains.
- ⛰️ 1,200 → 2,750 m
- 📏 9 km
- 🕐 3–4 hrs
- 🌿 Montane Forest
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The forest gives way to open moorland of giant heather and everlasting flowers. Mawenzi’s jagged spires and the snow-capped dome of Kibo come into view for the first time.
- ⛰️ 2,750 → 3,807 m
- 📏 13 km
- 🕐 5–6 hrs
- 🌾 Moorland
Day 3 · Acclimatisation
Rest Day at Horombo Hut
A crucial acclimatisation day. A short hike to Zebra Rocks or up the Mawenzi Ridge takes you to around 4,000 m before returning to sleep low — the single biggest boost to your summit chances.
- ⛰️ 3,807 m · to ~4,000 m
- 📏 5–8 km return
- 🕐 2–4 hrs
- 🌾 Moorland
Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the barren lunar expanse of The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. An early dinner and lights out by evening — the summit push begins just after midnight.
- ⛰️ 3,807 → 4,720 m
- 📏 10 km
- 🕐 5–6 hrs
- 🏜️ Alpine Desert
Day 5 · Summit
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
A midnight start on switchbacks of volcanic scree to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then along the rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise over the glaciers. A long descent follows all the way back to Horombo.
- ⛰️ 4,720 → 5,895 → 3,690 m
- 📏 4 km up · 14 km down
- 🕐 10–15 hrs
- ❄️ Arctic
Day 6
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi
A steady descent through moorland and back into the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where your summit certificate is issued, then transfer to Moshi for a hot shower and a cold Kilimanjaro beer.
- ⛰️ 3,690 → 1,830 m
- 📏 18 km
- 🕐 5–7 hrs
- 🌿 Montane Forest
Cost
What Your Trip Covers
What’s Included
- Base and airport transfers
- Full-board trek accommodation & hotel before/after
- All park fees and government taxes
- Professional English-speaking guide, porters & cook
- Tents, mattresses & private chemical toilet
- Boiled water, first-aid kit & supplementary oxygen
- 3 porters per climber · head guide with assistant
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation cover
Not Included
- Laundry, sleeping bags & climbing gear
- Beverages
- International flights, visas & taxes
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal items not listed
Get Your Tailored Quote
Rates vary with group size, season and accommodation level. Tell us your dates and party size and we’ll send a detailed, no-obligation quote within 24 hours — usually much faster on WhatsApp.
Map
Where You'll Be Travelling
Stand on the Roof of Africa
Tell us your dates and fitness level — we’ll prepare you for the summit of a lifetime.