5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

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$1,550pp

The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the most affordable option for reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route that offers the comfort of sleeping huts at each campsite, providing solar lighting and cozy beds for a more comfortable experience.

The huts are shared, and each bunk comes with a sponge mattress and pillow. Mandara and Kibo Huts each offer 60 beds, while Horombo Hut has 120 beds.

Bathrooms with running water are available at the two lower huts, while the final camp features basic men’s and women’s latrines.

Climbing groups from around the world gather in the dining huts, creating a lively and sociable atmosphere as they enjoy meals together.

The Marangu Route is typically completed in 5 days, making it the shortest route to the summit. However, for better acclimatization, it can be extended to 6 days.

The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo Hut or optionally climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

Day to Day

Day 01 : Hotel - Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut

 

After breakfast and a briefing, you’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (approximately 1 hour).

After registration, the climb begins as you walk through the lush rainforest to reach the Mandara Camp. For a stunning view of the surrounding areas, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya, consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater.

While trekking through the rainforest, keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, vibrant birdlife, and the playful Colobus monkeys.

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

 

Day 02 : Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Leaving the lush rainforest behind, you’ll follow an ascending path through the open moorlands towards the Horombo Camp. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Keep an eye out for the striking giant lobelias and groundsel plants that dot the landscape. As you ascend, you may start 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: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 03 : Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

 Continue your ascent, passing the final watering point as you reach the Kilimanjaro saddle, situated between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation shifts from upper heathland to an increasingly barren “moonscape” as you approach higher altitudes. After a hearty dinner and some rest, prepare yourself for the final push to the summit.


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

Day 04 : Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

The summit climb begins very early, typically between midnight and 2 a.m. As you navigate the steep scree or snow, you’ll make your way to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, descend to Kibo for lunch and rest before heading back to the Horombo Camp.


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 / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05 : Day 5: Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, you’ll begin a steady descent through the moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue down the lush forest path to the Marangu National Park gate. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Wearing shorts and a t-shirt should be comfortable, but be sure to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing nearby.

A vehicle will be waiting at the Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about a 1-hour journey.

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

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  • What's included
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
  • What's NOt included
  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary