5-Day Marangu Route — The Classic Kilimanjaro Climb
TREK SNAPSHOT
The Marangu Route, fondly called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most direct trail. It’s the only route offering dormitory-style mountain huts instead of tents, making it a favorite for those seeking a straightforward trek with simple shelter. It’s a challenging yet achievable adventure for fit trekkers ready to conquer Africa’s highest peak in just 5 days.
Your Trek Day Plan
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet your Serengeti Sphere Safaris driver and transfer to your lodge in Moshi/Arusha. Relax with a pool, Wi-Fi, and cozy rooms. In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a full briefing and final gear check.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 — Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Drive to Marangu Gate (about 1–1.5 hours). After registering, hike through lush rainforest with mossy trees and chattering monkeys. Lunch along the trail and reach Mandara Hut by afternoon. Optional short walk to Maundi Crater for views into Kenya’s Amboseli.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: 1,860 m to 2,700 m
Day 3 — Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
After breakfast, continue through the last patches of forest into heath and moorland. Wide views open up — on clear days, both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks stand in full glory. Lunch on the trail, reach Horombo Hut by afternoon to rest and hydrate.
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation: 2,700 m to 3,720 m
Day 4 — Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Cross the moorland and alpine desert, passing Zebra Rocks — volcanic formations striped black and white. Have lunch en route and arrive at Kibo Hut by mid-afternoon. Hydrate, eat an early dinner, and rest for the midnight summit attempt.
Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation: 3,720 m to 4,700 m
Day 5 — Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Your summit push starts around midnight. Climb slowly but steadily on switchbacks up scree to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m). Rest, take in the sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa! Descend carefully back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your last night on the mountain.
Trekking Time: 12–15 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then down to 3,720 m
Day 6 — Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Hotel
Enjoy breakfast and a gentle descent through heath and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Celebrate with your certificate and meet your driver for the return to your hotel for a shower and a well-earned rest.
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
Elevation: 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Day 7 — Departure
Relax at the hotel until your airport transfer. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out can be arranged if needed.
Trek Includes
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All park entry fees and rescue fees
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Camping or hut fees on the mountain
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Private transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
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Transport to and from the trailhead
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Professional, certified mountain guides, cooks, and porters
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All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Drinking water throughout the climb
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Sleeping tents and sleeping mats for camping routes
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First aid kit and emergency oxygen
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Daily health monitoring (pulse oximeter)
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Summit certificate
Trek Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzanian visa fees
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Travel insurance (required, must cover high-altitude trekking)
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Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing — available for rent on request)
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Personal expenses (drinks at hotels, souvenirs, laundry, snacks)
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Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters (highly appreciated)
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Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., extra acclimatization days, private toilet tent)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (can be arranged on request)
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Additional meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
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