7-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek

What to Expert

Epic Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek

The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route due to the availability of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original path established for climbing Kilimanjaro. This route is considered one of the easier walking routes up the mountain. However, it suffers from a low success rate (42%) as many climbers attempt to complete it in five days, resulting in poor acclimatization. The Marangu Route offers a good six-day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, providing an extra day for acclimatization and a better chance of reaching the summit. For the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek, an additional day ensures even better acclimatization, increasing the likelihood of a successful summit. Experienced and already acclimatized mountaineers may opt for the more challenging 5-day ascent.

Your Itinerary

Day to day

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha

Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha, the starting point for the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Prepare for your upcoming adventure on the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek with an overnight stay in Arusha.

Accommodation Options:

Midrange: Under the Shade (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts (2700m)

After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate for registration, marking the beginning of your Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek. The porters will prepare and pack supplies and luggage before starting the ascent on a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. This mist-covered forest, dripping with moss, is where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. Spend the first night at Mandara Hut, a group of wooden A-framed huts set in a forest clearing, a perfect start to your Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days trek. [2-3 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek to Horombo Hut (3720m)

From Mandara Hut, the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater before emerging into the transition zone from rainforest to moorland. After about 6 hours, arrive at Horombo Hut. [6-7 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (4020m)

This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for good acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization. [4-5 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wild Call Tanzania Safaris

Day 5: Trek to Kibo Huts (4700m)

Continue the ascent into the Alpine desert zone, passing the last place where water is available at 4130m. From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. Go to bed early to get as much rest as possible in preparation for the summit ascent. [5-6 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Horombo Hut (2175m)

Wake up around 23:30 hours, and after some tea and biscuits, shuffle off into the night. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer point (5250m), a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gilman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring great physical and mental effort. From Gilman’s Point, typically encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long to spend taking photographs before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest, gather all the gear left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo Hut, a further 3 hours. Later in the evening, enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. [11-15 hours walking]

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Descend from Horombo to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Arusha or Airport

On the final day of the trek, depart after breakfast and descend a further 1740m to Marangu Gate to pick up summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. Transfer to Arusha for a hot shower or drop off at the airport. [4-6 hours walking]

Accommodation Options:

Midrange: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)

Inclusions