5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Overview

Itinerary

What's Covered

Package Overview

Tour Overview

5 Days Marangu Route Trek

Embark on the legendary 5 Days Marangu Route Trek, one of the most popular and accessible routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m). Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only route offering comfortable mountain hut accommodation throughout the journey, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a classic Kilimanjaro experience with added comfort.

Your adventure takes you through diverse ecosystems, from lush tropical rainforests and alpine meadows to dramatic moorlands and the stark lunar landscapes surrounding Kibo. Guided by experienced mountain professionals, you’ll make a thrilling midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak, arriving at sunrise to witness breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds. Combining expert support, scenic landscapes, and comfortable overnight huts, the Marangu Route offers an unforgettable journey to Africa’s highest summit.

Tour at a Glance

  • Day 1: Drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate and trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut.
  • Day 2: Ascend through alpine meadows and moorland to Horombo Hut while acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.
  • Day 3: Continue across the dramatic Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks to reach Kibo Hut.
  • Day 4: Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before descending via Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut.
  • Departure Day: Return to Arusha and transfer to the airport or continue your Tanzanian adventure.

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut (8,875 ft)

Early breakfast at the lodge in Arusha then drive to your starting gate where you enter Kilimanjaro National Park and start your climb. This day’s trek takes 4-5 hours through tropical rainforest to reach Mandara Hut.

Your second day on the mountain starts with a fairly steep climb through the last of the rainforest up to alpine meadows dotted with giant heather. Further on, the environment changes to open heath with stunted vegetation before opening out to bleak moorland. Today you will gain approximately 1,000m in altitude, so walk slowly in order to acclimatize properly. It is normally a 6-7 hours hike to reach Horombo Hut.

The terrain now becomes progressively more rocky and rugged and giant groundsels and lobelias make their appearance. The trail skirts MawenziPeak , before crossing a stark, almost lunar landscape and the tundra desert of ‘the saddle”. The hike to Kibo Hut takes anything from 5 to 7 hours and the views from the saddle are breathtaking. Make this an early night – your attempt on Uhuru Peak starts at midnight.

Soon after midnight, you will be awakened by your guides to start the zigzag trek up a long scree slope. After roughly two hours you should reach Hans Meyer’s Cave and from here the gradient gets steeper. Continue your climb for approximately another 3 hours to Gilman’s Point and you will be rewarded by the dramatic sight of the rising sun reflecting off the ice fields and craggy peaks of Mawenzi. Walk along the crater rim for another couple of hours to reach your goal – Uhuru Peak, towering at 19,340 ft. After congratulating yourself and your companions on this great achievement, descend to Kibo Hut for rest and refreshment before continuing to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.

Depending on your schedule, you will be transferred to airport.

Tour Highlights

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What's Covered in Package

Cost Includes

  • Transfers (pick up from the airport to the hotel during your arrival, and transfer to the airport during your departure).
  • Accommodations before and after the trek (FB).
  • Park entrance/Camping fees.
  • Transfers from base hotel to the park entrance gate and come back.
  • Food: 3 meals per day, breakfast, lunch and dinner (All meals are hot).
  • Water for drinking.
  • Professional and Experience Mountain Guide who have qualified in wilderness (ratio 3 clients for 2 guides).
  • First aid responder (WFR).
  • Waterproof tents.
  • Oxygen tank.
  • Good number of porters.
  • Cook.
  • Pulse oxymeter, stetescope.
  • Hot water every day for washing.
  • Salaries to the Guides, cooks and porters.

Cost Includes

  • Tanzania VISA
  • Tips
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Things to do in this Package

Sunrise Summit Experience
Wildlife Viewing
Scenic Photography
Nature & Bird Watching
Professional Mountain Guiding
High-Altitude Hiking

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