Bucketlist Travel Adventures
Unforgettable Summit Sunrise
The Oldest Route on Kilimanjaro
Fitness level: Able to hike 5-7km at a time
Trek Begins & Ends in Moshi, Tanzania
Maximum Altitude: 5,895m/19,341ft
Experience the Climb on One of the Best Kilimanjaro Tour Routes
The Marangu Route is considered to be one of the easier paths to the summit, given its gradual slope and direct path. Our expert guides will ensure everything goes smoothly from top to bottom while you enjoy the challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro. Being only 6 days long, it can be slightly more challenging to acclimatize because the paths are more direct than others.
Trip Details
Important Details
Price
$2,399 USD
Meeting point
We’ll pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. You will then stay overnight and in the morning, we’ll drive to the gate where we will start our Kilimanjaro trek. Please note: the hotel and transfers are included in the price.
Availability
January through mid-March
Mid-June through October
December
Duration
6 days, 5 nights + 2 days at hotel
Group size
2 min. – 12 max.
Included
- Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb
- Breakfast before and after the climb
- All meals and water on the mountain
- All park fees and taxes
- Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead
- Tents (3-person mountaineering tent)
- Sleeping mat
- Private toilet tent
- Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks)
- Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Not included
- Airfare to and from Tanzania
- Personal travel insurance
- Visa
- Tips for the support team
- Sleeping bags and other personal gear
- Rental gear
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Drinks and snacks
Gear list
- Top thermal layer
- Bottom thermal layer
- 1-2 pairs of hiking pants
- 1 hardshell jacket
- 1-2 short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 pair of warm trekking pants
- 1-2 long-sleeved hiking shirts
- 1 softshell insulated winter jacket
- 4-5 pairs of underwear
- 1 cozy fleece jacket
- 1 pair of worn-in sturdy hiking boots
- 3-4 pairs of socks. Merino wool is recommended
- Rain coat
- Rain pants
- Day backpack
- Duffel bag (recommended size 90L)
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Snacks
Meals
On all of our Kilimanjaro tours, all of our meals are freshly prepared on the mountain by our talented chef, so when we arrive to camp after a long day of hiking, we have a delicious hot meal waiting for us.
Please note: we can accommodate any dietary needs, so please let us know what your meal requirements are and we will be sure to have our chef whip you up something yummy!
About your guide
All of our guides have extensive experience and training, certification, and knowledge of the area and all of the routes. You’ll be in great hands from top to bottom and by the end of the trip, you’ll be sad to say goodbye!
Depending on the number of hikers, there will be generally 1 guide for every 2 people and 3 porters per person.
Highlights
What Sets This Route Apart
Explore the southeast side of Mt. Kilimanjaro
The only route with dormitory-style sleeping huts!
Called the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the oldest route on the mountain
It is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path
Itinerary
6-Day Marangu Route
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,842m/6,046 ft to 2,700m/8,858ft
Distance: 8km/5 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then winds its way along the beautiful hillsides until we reach the Mandara Hut.
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m/8,858ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast, we’ll begin today’s trek through the forest until we reach the moorlands. We may get our first views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,390m/14,400ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,390m/14,400ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
Distance: 5km/3 miles
Hiking time: 1-2 hrs
Habitat: Heath
This day is specifically designed for acclimatization. We’ll enjoy a pleasant hike to the Mawenzi Ridge which offers expansive views over Kibo and Mawenzi. After enjoying a few moments exploring the area, we’ll then head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,700m/15,430ft
Distance: 10km/6 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today is a 10km walk but it’s gradual. We’ll cross over the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo before we reach the Kibo Hut. The camp sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall and once we get there, we’ll enjoy an early dinner before preparing for the summit push.
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 34,700m/15,430ft to 5,895m/19,341ft
Distance: 6km/4 miles
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,730m/12,250ft
Distance: 16km/10 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), you’ll be gently woken up with a hot cup of tea and a snack before we begin our final push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
While taking short, frequent breaks, we’ll be walking in darkness for several hours. Once we reach Gilman’s Point, you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Tanzania and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,730m/12,250ft to 1,842m/6,046ft
Distance: 20km/12 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hrs
Habitat: Rain forest
On our last day, we’ll have a long, steady trek down through the tropical forest. Please note that this section can be wet and slippery and another reason why trekking poles can be helpful! Our driver will be waiting to meet us here and transport us back to the hotel in Moshi where we will collect our summit certificates and enjoy a well-earned, local Kilimanjaro beer.
Good to Know
Kilimanjaro’s daily temperatures change drastically. They range from the high 20°C (68°F) right down to -15 °C (5°F) at night. To cope with this huge range in temperature, you will need to combine thin layers of clothing.
Please note that Tanzania implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags on 1st June 2019. Please ensure that none of the items in your luggage are packed in plastic bags. Please also be aware that disposable plastic bottles are not permitted on Kilimanjaro. Reusable plastic bags are generally acceptable.
Kilimanjaro National Park operates an absolutely strict limit of 15kg per porter for your main equipment bag, which includes your sleeping bag. This is more than sufficient for your needs on the mountain. Your bag will be weighed before you leave the hotel to start the climb and if it is overweight you will have to take items out and leave them at the hotel.
Safety procedures: twice daily (morning and evening), our expert guides will perform health checks for all trekkers. This is an important protocol to ensure the wellbeing of all our guests. Our lead guide will test oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter and run through a checklist of health measures as a means of determining that everyone can proceed safely. This is crucial in preemptively assessing any symptoms related to altitude sickness. Health and safety are our utmost priorities!
On top of that, we design our treks so that we are walking at a slow pace. You will hear the guides advise everyone to take it “pole pole”, which means easy-going in Swahili. While at times you may be excited and want to rush ahead, it is very important to listen to the guides who are skilled in navigating the mountain, its terrain and weather patterns, and understanding how altitude sickness can quickly incapacitate a person. Going “pole pole” may seem frustratingly slow for those very eager to reach the top, but rest assured, it is the best way to be confident of making it to the summit in good health.
Marangu Route in 6-Day— Dates & Prices
Below is a table of our available Kilimanjaro climb dates and prices. All of our climbs are great value for money and we strive to provide each person with a fun, successful, and unforgettable experience. Join us at the summit today!
Looking to enhance your climb with a full moon?
Every tour date that has a moon icon indicates a climb where the lunar spectacular is in full swing! When the peak of Kilimanjaro and magnificent glaciers are lit up by the full moon, the view is absolutely stunning. For this reason alone, some climbers schedule their trek to coincide with this celestial event. Aside from the lunar spectacular, another reason to choose to climb during a full moon is that the bright light will improve visibility during the climb, and it will be especially beneficial during the summit attempt.
( 
= Full Moon)
2024 Dates & Group Rates
2024 Christmas & New Year's Summit Treks
| Tour | Start Date | End Date | Price (USD) | Summits On | Have a Question? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Day Lemosho Route | Dec 19 | Dec 29 | $2,849 | Christmas | Inquire |
| 9-Day Northern Circuit Route | Dec 18 | Dec 28 | $3,199 | Christmas | Inquire |
| 7-Day Machame Route | Dec 20 | Dec 28 | $2,649 | Christmas | Inquire |
| 8-Day Lemosho Route | Dec 26 | Jan 2 | $2,849 | New Year's | Inquire |
| 9-Day Northern Circuit Route | Dec 25 | Jan 2 | $3,199 | New Year's | Inquire |
| 7-Day Machame Route | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | $2,649 | New Year's | Inquire |
| 7-Day Rongai Route | Dec 27 | Jan 2 | $2,649 | New Year's | Inquire |
