5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
The Marangu Route—often called the “Coca-Cola Route”—is the most budget-friendly path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the only route that offers overnight stays in permanent mountain huts equipped with solar lighting and simple, comfortable beds.
Huts are shared among climbers, each with sponge mattresses and pillows. Mandara and Kibo Huts offer 60 beds each, while Horombo Hut accommodates up to 120. The lower camps have running water and basic bathroom facilities; Kibo provides simple men’s and women’s latrines.
Climbers from around the world gather in communal dining huts, creating a lively and social atmosphere each evening.
Typically completed in 5 days, the Marangu Route can be extended to 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day is often used to rest at Horombo Hut or take an acclimatization hike toward Mawenzi Peak.
This route is ideal for those seeking comfort and a steady ascent experience.
5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m)
After breakfast, we transfer from Arusha to the Marangu Gate. Once registration and park formalities are complete, the trek begins through lush rainforest filled with unique flora and the chance to spot monkeys along the way. By afternoon, we reach Mandara Hut. Those with energy to spare can take a short walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Kenya’s interior.
Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 miles
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) → Horombo Hut (3,700m)
The trail leaves the forest behind and climbs steadily through heath and moorland. Along the way, you’ll see giant lobelias and groundsels, plants unique to this altitude. After 6–9 hours of trekking, we arrive at Horombo Hut, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Distance: 12.5 km / 7.8 miles
Hiking Time: 6–9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,700m) → Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Today’s trek is challenging but rewarding. We cross the “Last Water Point” before traversing the high-altitude desert of the saddle, a wide plateau linking Mawenzi and Kibo. After 5–7 hours of hiking, we reach Kibo Hut, our base camp for the summit attempt. Dinner is served early, followed by rest in preparation for the midnight ascent.
Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,700m)
Summit day! Around midnight, we begin the final push to the top. The trail passes Hans Meyer Cave (5,220m) before reaching Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim at sunrise—a breathtaking reward. A final 1–2 hours brings us to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, we descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,700m) → Marangu Gate (1,860m)
The final descent takes us back through moorland to Mandara Hut for lunch, then through lush rainforest to Marangu Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, we transfer back to Arusha where a hot shower and well-deserved celebration await.
Distance: 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $1,585 Per Person Sharing
Inclusive & Exclusive
Trekking Includes
- High quality mountain sleeping tents.
- 2 Nights accommodation
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Sleeping Mattress
Trekking Exclusive
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
