6 Days Marangu Route

Tour snapshot

}

Duration

6 Days, 5 Nights



Tour Type

Trekking



Tour Style

Private

Tour Overview

Also known as the “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it the cheapest option). However, we strongly recommend hiking the route over 6 days to increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully. Note that this is the only route that provides communal sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight site. Some basic goods such as mineral water, beer and chocolates are also sold at most sites. The Marangu route takes the same route for both ascend and descend.

Tips:

Crater camping is possible with an extra day & costs

scenic Kilimanjaro trail
crossing the barranco wall

Tour Plan

Day 1: Airport Pick-up

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer guide will warmly welcome you. You will be driven to your hotel in Moshi, where you can settle in and relax. In the evening, you will have a brief meeting with your mountain guide to discuss the climb scheduled for the next day. Your guide will also check your climbing gear and equipment to ensure everything is in order.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara Hut (2715m)

Hiking time: 5 hours, Distance: Approximately 8.1 km, Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast, we will embark on a 50-minute drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. As we pass through the village of Marangu, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain, you will catch glimpses of the local life and scenery. Upon reaching the park gate, all hikers are required to sign in at the Park office and finalize their preparations for the climb. Our porters will organize and load their packs with food, water, cooking gas, and most of the equipment.

From the park gate, we will start ascending on a well-defined trail through the enchanting rainforest, where you may spot various wildlife species. An alternate, more scenic trail branches off to the left, offering you the opportunity to explore the forest’s edge and rejoin the main trail either after 1.5 hours of hiking or 1 hour before reaching Mandara Hut. Mandara Hut, located in a picturesque forest clearing, consists of comfortable wooden A-framed huts. Each hut features sleeping bunks with solar-generated lighting. The camp can accommodate up to 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from nearby springs, and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.

Meals: Full board

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2715m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)

Hiking time: 6 hours, Distance: Approximately 11.6 km, Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek begins with a short stretch through the forest before transitioning from the rainforest to the moorland. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to explore the Maundi Crater’s rim, which provides a magnificent view of the Kibo Crater and, on clear days, the majestic glaciers glistening in the morning sun.

As we continue through the open moorland, you will encounter some of Kilimanjaro’s unique plant life, such as the towering giant lobelias and the giant groundsel. After approximately 6 hours of trekking, we will reach Horombo Hut, where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Kibo Hut (4730m)

Hiking time: 6 hours, Distance: Approximately 9.6 km, Habitat: Alpine Desert

Following breakfast, we resume our ascent through the alpine desert habitat. From Horombo Hut, there are two trail options to reach the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The upper route (right-hand fork) will be familiar to you, as you have already traversed most of it on the previous day toward Mawenzi Hut. This section is characterized by rocky and eroded terrain.

Alternatively, the recommended lower route (left-hand fork) is easier, shorter, and features the last watering point at 4130m. Make sure to fill your water bottles with enough water to last until your return to Horombo Hut in two nights, unless you prefer to purchase mineral water at Kibo Hut.

Situated in the barren alpine desert, Kibo Hut offers stone-built accommodation with bunk beds for up to 60 climbers. However, there are no water sources nearby. Mineral water and soft drinks can be purchased at the camp office. Platform toilets are available behind the hut. This evening, you will prepare your equipment, including ski sticks and thermal clothing, in readiness for the final ascent. It is recommended to carry water in a thermal flask to prevent freezing.

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3705m)

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo Distance: Approximately 5.4 km ascent and 15 km descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for – summit day. You will wake up around 23:20 and, after some tea and biscuits, begin your ascent in the dark. The initial section of the trail is rocky and leads to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), a suitable resting spot. From there, the path zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This stretch is steep, covered in scree, and demands significant physical and mental effort. It is considered the most challenging part of the entire route. Take your time, maintain a steady pace, and conserve your energy.

From Gillman’s Point, the trail is mostly snow-covered as you continue towards Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. The amount of time you can spend on the summit will depend on weather conditions. Take in the breathtaking views and capture memorable photographs before commencing the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest, you will collect your gear and head down to Horombo Hut (6 hours), where you will spend the night. The descent to Horombo Hut often feels quicker than the ascent. Today will be a physically demanding day, with a total walking time of approximately 14 hours.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

Hiking time: 6 hours, Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

After breakfast, we will commence the final descent (6 hours) from Horombo Hut. Passing by Mandara Hut, we will continue down to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificates. Climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are awarded green certificates, while those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From there, we will drive back to Moshi/Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, a delicious meal, and celebrate your remarkable achievement.

What are Included on the Trek

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Portable Private Toilet and Porter
Quality Imported Equipment’s

EXCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Extra hotel nights if early arrival or descent from the mountain$120 per room

Packing List for Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Mount Kilimanjaro hike. Please take this as a starting point.

General

Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
Sleeping bag liner

Upper Body

Sun hat or cap
Knitted hat
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Neck gaiter

Torso

Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
Waterproof, windproof shell
Fleece jacket or pullover

Lower Body

Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
Hiking pants (2)
Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
Waterproof, windproof shell
Hiking shorts

Hands

Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)

Feet

Wool or technical fabric warm socks
Hiking socks
Liner socks (optional such as silk)
Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
Ice Cleats/Micro Spikes (recommended to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
Casual shoes
Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

Undergarments

Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.

Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
Sports bras (women)
Pajamas or sleeping clothes

First Aid Kits and Medications

(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)

Sunscreen
Lip balm
Ointment

Optional

Power bank or extra batteries
Cameras and mobile phone
Cards/book
Binoculars
Trekking poles
Whistle
Thermos for hot water

USD $0 Per Person

Design Own Trip

Speak to an Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Call: +255 713 792 926
Let’s Chat on WhatsApp

Can be customized upon request, to meet travelers needs

Our Traveler’s Feedback

What Our Happy Clients Say About us

     Excellent  
     Based on 182 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Storyteller80193 
 2023-04-16
 
 
 Verified Awesome Kili trek thanks to Sirikwa’s great service!
Our group of six did a Kilimanjaro trek on the Machame route. The Sirikwa team was there for us every step of the way. Starting with airport pickups at all kinds of hours, arranging a waterfall hike the day before the trek, and making a very early morning run to the airport to retrieve a delayed bag just a couple of hours before departing for the park. The crew on the mountain is generally made up of freelancers who work for different trekking companies, but you could tell that Sirikwa’s management knew how to recruit and motivate a great group. We were well looked after on the mountain, the gear was first rate and our entire group made it to the summit. I struggled quite a bit on the descent but the guides and porters helped me through it, all with a smile. We were the first group to use Sirkwa’s new guest house in Moshi. It was a bit of a soft launch and you could see how it would shape up to be a great place for groups to stay pre/post their trek. Oinoth’s accommodating our request for pizza the night of our return was one last personal touch before we departed. I look forward to returning to Tanzania and experiencing Sirikwa’s great service on a safari.
  
 
       
   Usha G 
 2023-04-12
 
 
 Verified Best Kilimanjaro and Safari Experience Thanks to Sirikwa
I had a best ever experience with Sirikwa Tours on my Tanzania travel. Every question and email was answered quickly before and during the travel. Ole went above and beyond to help me in every step. Asante Kaka During the trip The team made me feel that they were there to help at any time. Care & attention to every single bit, from the porters to the cook and huge backbone the guide on my trek. The entire Tours team was perfect from day one. Trek : The food was good sleeping tents were perfect ; hot water, drinking water, physical and mental support all to the mark, perfectly orchestrated. The summit day was a challenge; very thankful to my crew for an experience of a lifetime! wholeheartedly recommend Sirikwa Tours to anyone seeking to trek up Mt Kilimanjaro. Safari : The safari part of my trip was amazing, often dazzling. Benny was my driver. He endeavoured to provide me with the best safari experience possible, One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. a little bit of luck resulted in some experiences I will never forget (I got some amazing photos). Night stay at the cottages was also wonderful experience. Sirikwa deserves all the stars. I will definitely recommend team to anyone looking for the best experience in Tanzania.
  
 
       
   Grant V 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Mount Kilimanjaro
Such an incredible journey! The whole experience was perfect. Leone and Jonathon guided us safely, Abbas and Pray kept us fed, Mr. Machame carried the heaviest loads, Joshua and Ramadan and the rest of the group made sure we were comfortable. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see the entire crew again soon.
  
 
       
   Armen Hammer 
 2023-04-01
 
 
 Verified Truly Spectacular Kilimanjaro climb and Safari experience!
Sirikwa Travel Rocks! Because of a friend's recommendation, I booked our 12-day Tanzania trip through Sirikwa. We spent 7 days climbing Kilimanjaro and 4 days on a Safari. Our booking with Sirikwa included everything, food, lodging, transportation, and full support with guides, porters, chefs, etc from the moment we landed at Kilimanjaro airport until 12 days later when we were dropped off at the airport. Our Kilimanjaro climb is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that was perfectly organized by Sirikwa. Our group consisted of myself, my son, and a good friend of mine. For the Kilimanjaro climb Sirikwa provided 2 stellar guides (Jonathan and Leone), a chef, and 9 porters who were absolutely amazing. They were friendly, knew what they were doing, and worked their butts off to get us up and down the mountain. I can't say enough positive things about how great our support crew was. If you are thinking of doing the Kilimanjaro climb I would not look anywhere else. Their prices were about half what American tour companies quoted us and their service was truly spectacular. The same thing goes for our Safari. Our guide (Benny) was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, could see animals and birds in the bushes or trees a mile away. We traveled through Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire national parks. Again, if you are going to spend time in Tanzania and you need any type of tour booked....don't even bother looking elsewhere...book with Sirikwa, because you will get an amazing experience at a very reasonable price.
  
 
       
   765britav 
 2023-03-28
 
 
 Verified Perfect Tanzanian Safari + Beach Holiday with Sirikwa Travel
Sirikwa Travel arranged the most perfect nine-day Tanzanian safari plus four-day Zanzibar beach holiday for my best friend and me. Ole Sirikwa was instrumental during the planning phase of our trip, recommending the top national parks and other sights based upon the number of days we had available and prioritizing the things we wanted to see. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro, literally everything from that point forward was taken care of for us - transportation, tours, hotels and meals. Just a few of the places Sirkiwa took us in Tanzania were Mkomazi National Park, Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, the Serval Wildlife Rescue and the Osiligilai Masai Lodge. I saw the most beautiful landscapes and SO MUCH WILDLIFE. I am still overwhelmed by the sheer volume of animals we saw, including the Big 5. In Zanizibar we saw Stone Town, Jambo Spice Farms and we spent a few days at Amaan Bungalows, right on the sea where I have never seen such clear water. We had a private boat for a snorkeling tour and the team prepared a fresh seafood lunch for us to eat right on the ship. To cover all of the ground we did, we stayed in a number of different hotels along the way and they were all of a high standard and felt safe and secure. We even stayed at the Tukaone Camp right within the Serengeti which was incredible - we had a tent with a shower, a four poster bed all while being able to hear the distant roars of lions in the night. I also want to mention the meals arranged for us as well. My friend and I are both vegetarian and not once did we arrive somewhere where this wasn't already taken care of. While on safari we often were provided a prepared lunch that our guide picked up for us in the morning and the food was always plentiful and delicious. The guides used by the Sirikwa team are of the highest caliber. Every guide we interacted with was professional, courteous, knowledgeable and really awesome people to spend time with - which was good because you spend a LOT of time with your guides! In particular, Ben was our guide for several of the days we spent in the national parks. You could just tell how well he knew the parks and was eager to ensure we saw absolutely every animal we could. Ben was also so accommodating, stopping for us to catch a better look at a bird or animal more times than I can count. Alfred was another amazing guide that we had the pleasure of spending time with, as he took us to both the Maturuni Falls one day and the Chemka Hot Springs another day. Alfred was kind, funny and even made sure I was able to get the proper football jerseys for my nephews. Ole was incredible as well, literally checking in with us on a daily basis to ensure we were happy and well taken care of. I have never utilized a guide service prior to this trip and I am not sure I want to travel any other way again! The costs were clearly outlined at the time of booking and, compared to what I have seen from other similar tours, were incredibly reasonable given the private tours, quality of accommodations and meals included. There were no surprises (other than positive ones!) along the way. It was honestly the trip of a lifetime and I give all the credit to Ole and the Sirikwa Team. I can't recommend Ole Sirikwa and the team more highly.
  
 
       
   Judith J 
 2023-03-24
 
 
 Verified 9 Day Safari + 4 Days in Zanzibar
I highly, highly recommend Sirikwa Travel. My best friend and I did a nine day safari in Tanzania's northern circuit of national parks and then four days in Zanzibar. It was an absolutely amazing trip of a lifetime! Sirikwa Travel handled absolutely everything and exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Ole Sirikwa, the owner/operator of Sirikwa Travel, was very responsive during the planning stages of our trip and extremely accommodating of our requests to give us our dream trip. Even before stepping off the plane, I felt like we were in good hands. From the moment we landed in Tanzania, everything was handled professionally and courteously. We had very nice accommodations and excellent food. The drivers and guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and just wonderful people. Our guide Ben, who spent four straight days with us, was the best guide one could hope for. His experience was obvious as was his vast knowledge of the parks and wildlife. I am an avid birder and he was excellent at spotting birds and knew many calls. The other guides told us he was a legend and we definitely saw why. During our nine days in Tanzania and four days in Zanzibar, we saw 30 mammal species (including lions, black rhinos, leopards and a cheetah) in the wild, 136 species of birds and 6 species of reptiles. In Tanzania, we visited Mkomazi National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire NP, Arusha NP, Serval Wildlife Rescue, Osiligilai Masai Lodge and Chemka Hot Spring. In Zanzibar, we stayed at the fabulous Freddy Mercury house at Tembo House Hotel (the most Wes Andersonian place I've ever seen). We toured Stone Town, snorkeled and had an amazing seafood lunch by Kwale Island, toured Jambo Spice Farm and spent a couple of days at the beautiful beach resort, Amaan Bungalows. Ole checked in with us daily and there was literally never a moment of the trip that all of my needs weren't taken care of. Guides went above and beyond every day. For example, I kept misplacing my pencil to record all of the birds species I was seeing, so our guide Alfred stopped at a store and bought me a pack of pencils!! From reservations, arrangements, transportation to meals and accommodations, I can't think of one single thing that wasn't just perfect. The trip cost exactly what was quoted with no hidden fees. We felt it was an exceptional value.
  
 
       
   SF 
 2023-03-22
 
 
 Verified As Advertised
Sirikwa handled everything. Very responsive and respectful, didn't need to worry about local or hidden fees. Exactly as advertised. The trek was great!
  
 
       
   Raghuraj 
 2022-12-31
 
 
 Verified An Amazing Climb to Uhuru Peak
We had the perfect climb to Kilimanjaro with Leone & Jonathan. It was an amazing experience, and the support team of guides, chef & porter made sure that we were very comfortable along the way. Will highly recommend Sirikwa Travels for all & any adventure exploits! Can’t wait to go back again :).
  
 
       
   Haik M 
 2022-10-06
 
 
 Verified Lemosho Route - Kilimanjaro top life-changing experience!
Had my best experience in life climbing Kilimanjaro with Sirikwa Travel team. Exceptional team from back office to front line kili warriors. Everything was taken care in details. Cant thank enough the excellent support, help and organization!
  
 
       
   camillegalin 
 2022-07-21
 
 
 Verified MEILLEURE EXPÉRIENCE
J’ai réservé l’ascension du Kilimanjaro par la voie Machame en 7j avec Sirikwa. Les demandes de renseignements sont claires, la documentation est complète. Les échanges sont faciles et rapide avec le directeur de l’agence ! Malgré mes péripéties et le retard de mes bagages par la compagnie aérienne (fréquent sur le continent quand on discute avec d’autres voyageurs, prévoir quelques jours de battement ça évitera beaucoup de stress) l’agence s’est occupé du problème, à su me proposer des alternatives et finalement trouver une solution. J’ai réalisé l’ascension avec une équipe fabuleuse : Jonathan, Abass, Janja, Nngabo, Omari et . Je recommende x1000 pour leur gentillesse, professionnalisme et encouragements permanent ! Si c’était à refaire je referai exactement la même chose. Si j’ai pu y arriver c’est grâce à une équipe en or. Je n’oublierai jamais cette aventure !