If you are an adventure lover, then climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is a must-do activity.

Among the several routes to choose from, the Marangu Route is one of the most popular, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. In this article, we will guide you through the 6 days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route journey and everything you need to know before taking on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

— Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
— Distance: 8km/5mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

— Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 12km/7.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Heathland

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Rest Day at Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with an optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
— Distance: 9km/5.5mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

— Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
— Down to 3700m/12,200ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
— Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
— Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

— Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
— Distance: 20km/12.5mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: hotel or Lodge