6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb (Marangu Route) – “Coca-Cola Route”
Your Trek Experience
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only Kilimanjaro route offering hut accommodation instead of camping, making it a comfortable choice for trekkers who prefer sleeping in shelters.
This 7-day itinerary includes an important acclimatisation day at Zebra Rocks, which greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. From rainforest trails and moorland landscapes to alpine desert and glacial summit views, this climb gives you the full Kilimanjaro experience.
Route Style: Hut trek (no tents)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best For: First-time climbers, trekkers who prefer huts, comfort-focused hikers
Summit Goal: Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the Roof of Africa
Trek Highlight
Day 1: Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m)
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Arusha to Marangu Gate for registration and permit procedures. Your trek begins through the lush rainforest, with chances to see wildlife such as black-and-white colobus monkeys and colourful birdlife.
The hike takes approximately 3–4 hours and leads to Mandara Hut. Later, you may take a short walk to Maundi Crater, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) – Horombo Hut (3,700m)
After an early breakfast, you’ll continue climbing as the forest gradually fades into heather and moorland. The scenery becomes more open, and the air cooler.
The trek takes around 5–6 hours, and by afternoon, you’ll reach Horombo Hut, offering fantastic views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo summit, and the plains below.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Zebra Rocks (4,020m) – Horombo Hut
Today is a vital acclimatisation day to help your body adjust to altitude and increase summit success. After breakfast, you will hike up to Zebra Rocks, named after its distinctive black-and-white striped patterns.
After enjoying the views, you will return to Horombo Hut for a warm cooked lunch and rest for the afternoon.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Today is a longer and tougher stage as you trek across the Saddle, an alpine desert plateau between Mawenzi and Kibo. You will pass the final water point, and vegetation will become increasingly scarce due to the altitude.
After 5–6 hours, you will arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700m). You’ll enjoy an early dinner, receive a summit briefing, and rest early in preparation for the midnight climb.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
Summit day begins around midnight. After hot tea and light snacks, you will start the steep climb toward the crater rim. At sunrise, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m), followed by a final push of 1–2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a warm meal and short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut, arriving in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Snacks/Tea (summit start), Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Arusha
After breakfast, you begin your descent back through the moorland and rainforest zones. You’ll pass Mandara Hut and continue to Marangu Gate, where you will complete exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
After saying goodbye to your mountain crew, you will be transferred back to Arusha for a warm shower and relaxation at the lodge.
Accommodation: Meru View Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included in the price
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping fees and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guide(s)
- Full support team: porters + cook
- Quality mountain tents (sleeping + dining tent)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Treated drinking water throughout the trek
- Transfers Arusha to Gate and Gate to Arusha
- Emergency oxygen cylinder + first aid kit
- Daily health checks (pulse oximeter monitoring)
Included in the price
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guide/porters/cook
- Personal trekking gear (Hiking boots, jacket, poles, etc.)
- Alcoholic drinks & personal snacks
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry)