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Exotic Legacy Safaris and Tours
Horombo Huts on the Marangu route with Kibo behind
Photo: Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz, CC BY-SA 2.0

Kilimanjaro Treks · Budget

Marangu Route – 6 Days

Duration
6 days
Starts / ends
Arusha
Style
Budget

The only route with sleeping huts instead of tents. A steady, gradual trail on the south-east side of the mountain, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo.

Highlights

  • Huts with bunk beds, no tents
  • Gentle, gradual gradient
  • Acclimatisation walk towards Mawenzi
  • Summit via Gilman’s Point

Known as the “Coca-Cola route”, Marangu (about 72 km return) climbs and descends on the same path and sleeps in shared A-frame huts with bunk beds. The extra day at Horombo makes a big difference to the success rate compared with the 5-day version.

Route

  1. Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
  2. Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
  3. Kibo Hut (4,703 m)
  4. Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
  5. Marangu Gate (1,860 m)

Day by day

  1. Register at Marangu Gate and walk through rainforest to Mandara Hut. Short walk to the Maundi Crater.

    Camp:
    Mandara Hut
    Meals:
    L, D
    Altitude:
    1,860 → 2,720 m
    Distance / time:
    8 km · 4–5 h

  2. Through heather and moorland with views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

    Camp:
    Horombo Hut
    Meals:
    B, L, D
    Altitude:
    2,720 → 3,720 m
    Distance / time:
    12 km · 6–8 h

  3. Hike towards Mawenzi Hut or the Zebra Rocks and return to Horombo to sleep.

    Camp:
    Horombo Hut
    Meals:
    B, L, D
    Altitude:
    3,720 → ~4,200 → 3,720 m
    Distance / time:
    3–4 h

  4. Cross the alpine desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.

    Camp:
    Kibo Hut
    Meals:
    B, L, D
    Altitude:
    3,720 → 4,703 m
    Distance / time:
    10 km · 6–7 h

  5. Midnight start up the scree to Gilman’s Point and on to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo.

    Camp:
    Horombo Hut
    Meals:
    B, L, D
    Altitude:
    4,703 → 5,895 → 3,720 m
    Distance / time:
    21 km · 12–15 h

  6. Descend to the gate, collect your certificate and drive back to Arusha.

    Camp:
    Mount Meru Hotel
    Meals:
    B, L
    Altitude:
    3,720 → 1,860 m
    Distance / time:
    20 km · 6–7 h

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

Rates per person (US$)

Season Solo 2 people 4 people 6 people
Peak season1 Jan – 15 Mar, 1 Jun – 31 Oct, 20–31 Dec 3,390 2,190 1,840 1,690
Rainy season16 Mar – 31 May, 1 Nov – 19 Dec 3,060 1,970 1,660 1,520

Prices are per person sharing, in US dollars, and include all park and crater fees. Children’s, single and East African resident rates on request.

Included

  • Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping or hut and rescue fees
  • Licensed mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
  • All meals and treated drinking water on the mountain
  • Twice-daily pulse oximeter checks and emergency oxygen
  • Transfers between Arusha or Moshi and the park gates
  • One night before and one night after the climb in Arusha (bed & breakfast)
  • Summit certificate
  • Hut accommodation on the mountain

Not included

  • International flights and Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance that covers trekking to 6,000 m
  • Sleeping bag and personal gear (available to rent)
  • Tips for the mountain crew
  • Drinks and meals in Arusha not listed

Enquire about Marangu Route – 6 Days

We reply within 24 hours, usually much sooner.

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