5 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro - A true trekking and mountaineering paradise

Trekking Overview

Trekking Marangu Route is the most popular, least difficult and the shortest way to Uhuru Peak. This route is also called the Tourist Route or the Coca Cola Route. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route is fairly easy but the final part to the summit is still difficult. Although this rout is the easiest, it has the highest failure rate due to bad preparation. It is advised to take this route seriously enough, to be well organized and to take all possible safety measures.

Known as the ‘Coca Cola Route’ because of its popularity and its relative ease, the Marangu route is the most popular route by which to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit.

For those who are pressed for time, the five-day option is a rushed, but achievable way to conquer the Roof of Africa

Marangu Route Map

Itinerary

DAY 1 – ARUSHA – MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUT

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft

Leaving from Arusha, a scenic two-hour drive will transport you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Upon arrival, we will patiently wait for our permits to be issued, observing the lively activity as numerous crews prepare for their upcoming journeys. Amidst the stunning rainforest scenery and winding trails, your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. It's important to note that at these lower elevations, the trail may become muddy and slippery, so we strongly advise the use of gaiters and trekking poles for added stability and safety.

DAY 2 – MANDARA HUT – HOROMBO HUT

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft

Following a restful night's sleep and a satisfying breakfast, we depart from the rainforest and proceed along an ascending path, traversing through heathland in search of towering lobelias and groundsels. Advancing further, we enter open moorlands characterized by small shrubs as the predominant vegetation. We pause midway through the journey for lunch, offering a chance to relish the breathtaking views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, we arrive at the Horombo Huts, nestled beneath the spectacular viewpoint of Kibo Summit. As the day progresses, temperatures begin to decline.

DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft

Following breakfast, our journey continues through the diminishing heathland, gradually merging into a moonscape as we traverse the expansive saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, as we pause for lunch and later when you traverse this unexpectedly vast saddle, you'll have the opportunity to observe the ascent route to Kibo's summit, which you'll embark on in just a few hours.

DAY 4 – KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUT

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft

Anticipation grows as the morning approaches, signaling an early departure between midnight and 2 a.m., marking the most mentally and physically demanding phase of the trek. Continuing our ascent towards the summit in a zigzag pattern, we strive to stay warm and focused, driven by the remarkable sense of achievement awaiting us.

Progressing through a series of switchbacks, we ascend through challenging scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim, where a breathtaking sunrise awaits during a brief rest. Swifter hikers may even catch the sunrise from the summit itself. The final hour's ascent to Uhuru Peak is likely to involve continuous snow cover.

Congratulations are in order; step by step, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Following moments of photography, celebrations, and perhaps some tears of joy, we take a brief pause to savor this incredible accomplishment.
Overnight at Horombo Hut

DAY 5 – HOROMBO HUT – MARANGU GATE – ARUSHA

Elevation: 3690m/12,100 to 1830m/6000ft

Following breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell. We commence the descent, pausing at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to show your gratitude to the guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be parting ways with them here. Upon reaching the Marangu Park Gate, you will receive your summit certificates. Given the significantly warmer weather, the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend wearing gaiters and using trekking poles for added stability. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha.

What is Included

Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees or Camping fee
Gate Transfers

What is Not Included

Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

Menu

Mount Kilimanjaro - A true trekking and mountaineering paradise

DAY 1 – ARUSHA – MARANGU GATE – MANDARA HUT

DAY 2 – MANDARA HUT – HOROMBO HUT

DAY 3 – HOROMBO HUT – KIBO HUT

DAY 4 – KIBO HUT – UHURU PEAK – HOROMBO HUT

DAY 5 – HOROMBO HUT – MARANGU GATE – ARUSHA

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