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: Lemosho Gate (2,385 m) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
After an early breakfast in Arusha, you will be driven to Lemosho Gate for registration. Your trek begins through pristine rainforest with chances to see black-and-white colobus monkeys and unique birdlife.
- Hiking distance: 6 km
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)
The trail climbs steadily as the forest thins and gives way to heath and moorland. You cross the Shira Ridge and traverse the Shira Plateau. After lunch near Shira Camp 1, you continue to Shira Camp 2, with clear views of Kibo Peak if the weather permits.
- Hiking distance: 16 km
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Shira Camp 2
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Acclimatization is key on this day. Climbing high toward Lava Tower before descending into the scenic Barranco Valley follows the golden rule of “climb high, sleep low.”
- Hiking distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 6–7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Shortly after departure, you climb the famous Barranco Wall, the steepest but non-technical section of the route. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the southern glaciers before continuing to Karanga Camp.
- Hiking distance: 5 km
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,080m)
A shorter but steeper trek awaits today as you move deeper into the alpine desert. Rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt upon arrival at Barafu Camp.
- Hiking distance: 4 km
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,700m) – Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Arusha
You start the summit climb around midnight. By headlamp, you ascend to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrating and taking photos at the top precedes your descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest, followed by a continued trek down to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking distance: 17 km
- Hiking time: 12–15 hours
- Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha
After breakfast, the descent through lush rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates await. The driver then transfers you back to Arusha.
- Hiking distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast
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)