5 Days Marangu Route
Overview
The Marangu Route is regarded as one of the most accessible paths to the summit, owing to its gradual incline and straightforward trajectory.
Our expert guides will ensure a seamless experience from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy the achievement of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Given its six-day duration, acclimatization may be a slight challenge, as the trail is more direct than others.
Also known as the ‘Coca-Cola Route’ because local vendors traditionally sold bottles of Coke and other beverages to hikers along the Marangu Trail, it is the oldest and best-established route on the mountain.
Additionally, it is the only route offering hikers’ hut-style accommodation instead of camping, with up to 120 beds at each stop.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu Gate. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the hut’s interior.
Distance: 8.3km / 5.2mi
Hiking Time: 5 hours
DAY 2
Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4–6 hours later, Horombo Hut will come into view at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Maasai steppe.
Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi
Hiking Time: 9 hours
DAY 3
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point,” then the so-called “saddle.” This nearly vegetation-free plateau connects the main summit, Kibo, with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut, usually reached in about 5–6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal, followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance: 9.5km / 5.9mi
Hiking Time: 7 hours
DAY 4
Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, a long and strenuous climb. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, you will steadily climb higher. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly warm the land. You will soon forget the cold of the night, and after a further 1 – 2 hours of hiking, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you, followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before continuing back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance: 22km / 13.7mi
Hiking Time: 12 – 15 hours
DAY 5
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The final stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch awaits you. Soon, you will pass through the tropical rainforests again, and after a total of 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, you will take a short transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm, relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 20.8km / 12.9mi
Hiking Time: 8 hours
What’s included?
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
What’s not included?
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
