5 Day Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu route.

Overview

The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Elevation: 1,830m to 2,740m
Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, transfer from Moshi to Marangu Gate (approx. 1 hour). Upon registration, begin the trek through the lush rainforest. The trail may be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. Enjoy sightings of colobus monkeys and exotic birdlife as you ascend gradually to Mandara Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Distance: 11 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs
Elevation: 2,740m to 3,690m
Zone: Moorland

Leave the rainforest behind and ascend through moorland, where you'll encounter unique vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels. Stop for lunch along the trail and enjoy expansive views of Mawenzi Peak. Reach Horombo Huts in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the huts.

Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs
Elevation: 3,690m to 4,695m
Zone: Semi-desert

The trail leads through sparse alpine vegetation into the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This high-altitude desert terrain is vast and otherworldly. Stop for lunch along the way and proceed to Kibo Huts. Early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 4: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Ascent: 4 km | 5–7 hrs
Descent: 14 km | 5–6 hrs
Elevation: 4,695m to 5,895m (Uhuru) then down to 3,690m
Zone: Arctic to Moorland

Wake before midnight for the summit push. Ascend slowly in switchbacks through scree and possibly snow, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m) in time for a breathtaking sunrise. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa. After celebrations and photos, descend to Kibo Huts for a short rest and continue down to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Moshi

Distance: 18 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hrs
Elevation: 3,690m to 1,830m
Zone: Moorland to Rainforest

Following breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your mountain crew, begin the final descent to Marangu Gate. Stop for lunch at Mandara Huts. Upon arrival at the gate, receive your summit certificates. A transfer vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-earned rest.

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).