5 Days MARANGU ROUTE Route

OVERVIEW

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the most popular and one of the oldest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers overnight accommodation in mountain huts, making it a preferred option during the rainy season.

The trail follows a well-established path through all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones from lush tropical rainforest to alpine desert and glacial summit offering diverse scenery throughout the trek.

As the most affordable route, Marangu can be crowded during peak seasons, particularly from July to September and December to March. While this 5-day itinerary is achievable, a 6-day option is strongly recommended for improved acclimatization and higher summit success rates.

Arrive in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later, your experienced guide will conduct a trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1 - Marangu Gate (1860 m) to Mandara Hut (2700 m)

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:00 am and driven to Marangu Gate. After completing park registration, the trek begins through dense rainforest.

This scenic hike offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The trail gradually ascends to Mandara Hut, where you will enjoy dinner and your first overnight stay on the mountain.

Day 2 - Mandara Hut (2700 m) to Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Distance covered: 12 km
Approximate time taken: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After breakfast, the trek continues through heath and moorland. The vegetation becomes sparser as altitude increases, opening up views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

After several hours of trekking, you will arrive at Horombo Hut (3720 m). The afternoon is ideal for rest and acclimatization.

Day 3 - Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Kibo Hut (4700 m)

Distance covered: 9 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today’s hike crosses the vast Saddle, a high-altitude desert that lies between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you approach Kibo Hut.

After lunch, you will rest and mentally prepare for the summit attempt. Dinner is served early, followed by a long rest before the midnight ascent.

Day 4 - Kibo Hut (4700 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), then down to Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 12–13 hours
Habitat: Glacier / Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

You will wake around 1:00 am to begin the summit ascent. The climb is steep and demanding, and your guide will maintain a slow, steady pace.

After 4–5 hours, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5681 m) on the crater rim, where you can enjoy sunrise views. From here, continue for approximately 1–1.5 hours to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating and taking photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Horombo Hut (3720 m) to Marangu Gate (1860 m)

Distance covered: 21 km
Approximate time taken: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

After breakfast, descend through moorland and rainforest to Mandara Hut, where you will stop for lunch. Continue down to Marangu Gate to complete park formalities and collect your summit certificates.

A vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, where a warm shower and celebration await.

Depart Tanzania / Other Destination in Tanzania

Later in the evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, we can arrange a cultural tour or safari to Tanzania’s top destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar.

Trek Pricing

Number of Travelers	Price per Person
1 Person	2250 USD
2 - 4 people	2150 USD
5 - 9 people	1950 USD
10+ people	1900 USD

Tipping Guidelines

Tips for porters / cooks ($10 – $15 per porter per day).
Tips for the guides ($20 – $25 per person per day or a group amount)

Climbing Cost Includes

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Breakfast at hotel