Exciting 5 Days Marangu Route Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours

Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. Huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

Adventurous 5-Days Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing: 5 Days Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds.

The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. Go on Our Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 5-Day Marangu Route or 6-Day 98% Summit Success!

There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men’s’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

This route is usually done in 5 Days Marangu Route but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

5 Day Marangu Route Itinerary

Experience the breathtaking 5-Day Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro, where adventure and stunning landscapes await. Begin at Marangu Gate, hiking through lush rainforests to Mandara Hut. On Day 2, ascend to Horombo Hut, surrounded by panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak. Day 3 takes you to Kibo Hut, the last stop before your summit attempt. Start your summit journey on Day 4 under the stars, reaching Uhuru Peak as the sun rises, an unforgettable moment. Finally, on Day 5, descend back to Marangu Gate, celebrating your incredible achievement and reflecting on the awe-inspiring beauty of Tanzania. Join this remarkable trek for an adventure of a lifetime!

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk-through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: BLD

Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your at Arusha for overnight

At the last night of your trekking, we will drop off you at the airport

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest

Inclusive & Exclusive

Inclusions 5-Days Marangu Route

4 nights’ mountain accommodation
All transportation – airport pick up and drop off included
All park entrances fees
Professional English speaking Mountain guide & chef
Meals according to the itinerary
Mineral water on all days
All mentioned activities
All government taxes Price.
18% VAT,
Government increase entry fees
Rescue fees
Pre and post-program accommodation for 2 nights
Camping equipment ( tent, sleeping bags, mattress, hiking poles, gaters, mess table and chairs)
Airport Pick up and drop off
Porterage