- Arusha, Tanzania
- info@tobikoadventures.com
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic 6-day Marangu Route—known for its hut accommodations, diverse landscapes, and high summit success. Ideal for first-time trekkers seeking comfort and adventure.
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most established trail. It’s the only route offering overnight stays in mountain huts, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking extra comfort. This 6-day itinerary includes an acclimatization day, giving you a better chance to reach Uhuru Peak—Africa’s highest point—while enjoying the diverse landscapes of rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
“Kilimanjaro isn’t just a climb—it’s a journey through every layer of Earth, ending at the stars.”
Enter the Lush Rainforest
Start Elevation: 1,860m
End Elevation: 2,700m
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you’ll be transferred to the Marangu Gate for registration. From here, your trek begins through a rich rainforest, alive with birdsong and the chatter of monkeys swinging in the treetops. The trail is well-maintained and shaded, offering a gentle start to your adventure. Tonight, you’ll rest at Mandara Hut, surrounded by nature’s calm.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (shared wooden cabins)
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Forest Opens to Vast Moorland Views
Start Elevation: 2,700m
End Elevation: 3,720m
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Zone: Moorland
Leaving the forest behind, today’s trail leads into open heathland and moorland. The scenery transforms with giant heathers, volcanic rocks, and striking plants like giant lobelias. If skies are clear, you’ll catch your first views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy a peaceful evening on the mountain.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Adapt to the Altitude, Explore Unique Alpine Terrain
Start/End Elevation: 3,720m (hike up to ~4,400m)
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Today is all about adjusting to the altitude. Take a scenic day hike toward Mawenzi Ridge, a craggy landscape offering dramatic views and a chance to stretch your legs without gaining too much elevation. After soaking in the vistas, return to Horombo Hut to rest and prepare for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Crossing the Saddle – A Stark, Beautiful Wilderness
Start Elevation: 3,720m
End Elevation: 4,703m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Today’s route takes you across the Saddle, a vast, windswept plateau connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. The landscape here is stark and silent, a true high-altitude desert. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut—your basecamp for the summit push—by late afternoon. Eat an early dinner, prepare your gear, and get to bed early. Summit night begins before midnight.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunrise at the Top of Africa
Ascent Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Descent Elevation: 5,895m to 3,720m
Total Distance: 6 km ascent / 16 km descent
Total Time: 11–14 hours
Zones: Arctic to Moorland
You’ll begin your summit attempt in the quiet of the night. Using headlamps, ascend steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,681m), where the horizon begins to glow. Push onward to Uhuru Peak, standing proudly at 5,895 meters—the Roof of Africa. After photos and celebration, begin your long descent back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved hot meal and rest.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Final Descent & Certificate Celebration
Start Elevation: 3,720m
End Elevation: 1,860m
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Enjoy your final trek down through the forest, retracing your steps to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate—green if you reached Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak. Your driver will greet you and transfer you back to Moshi, where a warm shower and a celebratory drink await.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Ready to explore Tanzania’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes? Let Tobiko Adventure craft your perfect journey. Book now and let the adventure begin!
