Route Description
- DURATION : 5 Days, 4 Nights
- DIFFICULTY : Medium
- TRAFFIC : High
- SCENERY : Excellent
Route Overview
The 5-day Marangu Route is one of the shortest and most direct trails to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” it provides comfortable sleeping huts along the way, offering a more sheltered experience compared to camping. Trekkers journey through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain, culminating in the summit push to Uhuru Peak.
The shorter duration requires a faster pace and less time for acclimatization, making it suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness levels. With knowledgeable guides and support staff, climbers can embark on a challenging yet rewarding adventure to the roof of Africa.
Trek Itinerary
DAY 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the Rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5miles
- Hiking time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
DAY 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. The views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsel. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12200ft
- Distance: 12km/7.5 miles
- Hiking time: 5- 6 hours
- Habitat: healthy land
DAY 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of the Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper health land but then disappears into a “moonscape.” Dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
- Elevation: 3700m/12200ft to 4700m/15500ft
- Distance: 9km/5.5 miles
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning, we commence the climb to the summit on the steep and heavy snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Then, we will ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek, with many switchbacks.
Going slowly ‘’pole pole’’ and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Elevation: 4700m/15500ft to 5895m/19340ft Down to 3700m/12200ft
- Distance: 6km/4 miles up/15km/miles down
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours up/15km/9 miles down
- Habitat: alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner (BLD)
DAY 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast, a descent takes us down through the Moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hr drive).
- Elevation: 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5 miles
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Forest
Trek Inquiries & Costing
Inquire about this Trek
Costing Terms
Cost Includes
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Rescue fees, entrance and Government Taxes;
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Cost Does not Include
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.