5 Day Marangu Route
PRICE FROM $1,550
5 Day Marangu Route – Overview
The 5 Days Marangu Route is one of the most popular and straightforward ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Commonly known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it is the only route on Kilimanjaro that provides hut accommodation instead of camping, making it a comfortable option for many climbers.
The trek begins at Marangu Gate on the southeastern side of the mountain and follows a well-established trail through several different ecological zones. Climbers start their journey in the lush rainforest, walking beneath tall trees and thick vegetation where wildlife such as blue monkeys and colorful birds can sometimes be seen.
As the climb continues, the landscape gradually changes from rainforest to moorland, with open views and unique plants such as giant lobelias and senecio trees. The trail then leads higher into the alpine desert zone, where the environment becomes colder, drier, and more rugged.
Unlike the 6-day itinerary, the 5-day Marangu Route does not include an additional acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, which makes the trek shorter but also more physically demanding due to faster altitude gain.
All equipment and supplies are carried by experienced porters, while a mountain chef prepares fresh meals throughout the trek. Climbers sleep in Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut, which provide basic but comfortable shelter along the route.
The summit attempt begins from Kibo Hut, usually around midnight, with a challenging ascent to Gilman’s Point and then onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit and watching the sunrise above the clouds, climbers descend back to Marangu Gate, completing an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
Plan Day By Day
Arrival Date
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
During the drive, you will get your first glimpse of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and, if the weather is clear, you may even see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
After arriving at the hotel, you will have time to relax and recover from your journey. Later in the day, your mountain guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing, where you will receive important information about your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure, review your equipment, and prepare for the climb starting the following day.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Moshi, preparing for the unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa. 🏔️
Day 1: Marangu Gate 1860 m – Mandara Hut 2720 m
- Habitat: Montana Forest
- Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
Pickup in your hotel after finishing breakfast and drive from Moshi to Marangu National Park distance takes about 1hrs. After registration at the main gate, porters cook or chef and guides prepare and pack the supplies for all 6/5 days and your equipment and measure on the scale of Kilimanjaro National Park ready to be carried by porters. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least valuable things, drinking water and your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. You now leave the gate and ascend through to the Montana forest. The forest suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss is where by most Kilimanjaro animals are found. After 2hrs or 1 hour and a half you have to stop in the place called Kisambioni for a lunch. Kisambioni is a chagga tribe word which means place for washing. After lunch you continue to step up to the end of Montana forest start heather and Moo land up to 2720m in Mandara hut for overnight.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2720m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
- Habitat Heather & Moorland
- Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
From Mandara hut the trail passes through as short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive views of the Kibo Crater on clear day.
Once its clear the visitors have a chance to see most spectacular plants the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3m in height and the senecio Kilimanjari or giant groundsel which can reach the height of 5m. After 4hrs you will be able to continue to moorland area, and finish the steep of WONA MOUNTAIN which has simple desks and tables for lunch. After finishing a lunch break you start to climb for a 2hrs up to horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest an evening meal and overnight.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
After breakfast at Horombo Hut, the trek continues toward Kibo Hut (4,700 m) on the upper slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you climb higher, the landscape changes dramatically from moorland to the dry and rocky alpine desert zone.
The trail gradually crosses the wide saddle between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak, offering expansive views of the rugged mountain terrain. This section of the hike is more exposed, with fewer plants and a harsher high-altitude environment, giving trekkers a real sense of the mountain’s raw beauty.
After several hours of steady hiking, you will arrive at Kibo Hut, the final base before the summit attempt. Upon arrival, you will have an early dinner and take time to rest and prepare for the challenging midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Your guides will brief you on the summit attempt and ensure you are ready for the overnight ascent. You will then rest for a few hours before waking around midnight to begin the final push to the Roof of Africa.
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Gilman’s Point – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Arctic Zone → Moorland
- Distance: ~21 km
- Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
The summit attempt begins around midnight from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) on Mount Kilimanjaro. Equipped with headlamps, you will start the challenging climb toward the summit, hiking slowly through steep scree and rocky paths in the cold mountain night.
After several hours of steady ascent, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim. Here, you will witness an incredible sunrise over Africa, a truly unforgettable moment after the long climb.
From Gilman’s Point, the trek continues along the crater rim for another 1–2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit is an extraordinary achievement and the highlight of the entire Kilimanjaro adventure.
After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you will begin the descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch. Later, the journey continues downhill through the alpine desert and moorland zones until you reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and an overnight stay. This is a long but rewarding day as you complete the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Marangu Gate (1,870 m)
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland → Rainforest
- Distance: ~20 km
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you will begin the final descent through the beautiful landscapes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail gradually leads down from the moorland zone back into the lush rainforest, where the air becomes warmer and the vegetation becomes dense and green once again.
Along the way, you will pass Mandara Hut and continue descending through scenic forest trails filled with tall trees, moss, and colorful birdlife. You may also spot monkeys and other wildlife that inhabit the lower slopes of the mountain.
After several hours of hiking, you will arrive at Marangu Gate (1,870 m) where your trek officially ends. Here, you will sign out at the park office and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate if you successfully reached Uhuru Peak.
Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after conquering the Roof of Africa.
Departure Date
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, you will have time to relax and reflect on your incredible Mount Kilimanjaro climbing adventure.
Depending on your travel plans, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your international departure flight.
If you wish to extend your Tanzania experience, this day can also mark the beginning of another exciting journey:
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Continue your adventure with a safari to famous national parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, where you can experience incredible wildlife and the famous Big Five.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday: Fly to the beautiful island of Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape. Enjoy white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the rich culture of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you choose to return home, explore Tanzania’s wildlife, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar, your journey will conclude with unforgettable memories of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s natural beauty. 🌍🏔️🌴
Price (quoted in USD/per person)
Number of Pax
1 Pax
2 - 4 Pax
5 - 7 Pax
8 - 9 Pax
10+ Pax
5 Day marangu ROUTE
$ 1,600
$ 1,550
$ 1,500
$ 1,450
$ 1,400
This Tour Includes & Exclude
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- All Mount Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Experienced porters and cook
- All meals during the Kilimanjaro trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Three Meals During Trekking
- Government taxes and service charges
- aily health checks and emergency oxygen for safety
- Fair wages for the mountain crew
- Clean and quality mountain camping equipment (tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs)
- International & Local Flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
- Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
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