The Marangu Route, commonly referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is a popular choice for climbers due to its shorter duration and the availability of permanent sleeping huts at the campsites. This route can be completed in five days, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker ascent.
The Mount Kilimanjaro trek 5-Day Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate and gradually ascends through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit. The summit night from Kibo Hut is challenging, as climbers face a steep path that leads past Gilman’s Point before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters.
One notable aspect of the Marangu Route is that it is the only route that uses the same path for both ascent and descent, which can make it quite busy.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Name: 5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights on the mountain
Total Distance: 72 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
Success Rate: 50%
Scenery: Stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking views
Best Time to Climb: June – October & December – March
Choosing the 5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route is an excellent option for several reasons:
| 1. The Shortest Route to the Summit: This is perfect for climbers with limited time and still wish to experience Kilimanjaro. | 2. Most Affordable Route: Because it’s shorter and doesn’t require camping gear, it is one of the most budget-friendly routes on Kilimanjaro. |
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| 3. Hut Accommodation: Unlike other routes that require camping, Marangu offers permanent hut accommodations at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts. These huts provide shelter from rain and cold, making the experience more comfortable. | 4. Easiest and Most Direct Route: Marangu is the most straightforward route due to its gradual ascent and well-maintained trails. It is also suitable for beginner climbers and those who prefer a less strenuous hike. |
Arrive in Tanzania.
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. There, you will meet our guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and check your equipment to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear ready to begin your five-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu route. Gear that is missing can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
-Elevetion: 1870m to 2700m.
-Distance: 8.3km
-Hiking Time: 3 hours
Departing from Moshi, a 60-minute drive will take you through the village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while observing the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide shares information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. The trail can be muddy and slippery at these lower elevations, so we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
-Elevation: 2700m to 3700m
-Distance covered: 12.5km
-Hiking time: 9 hours.
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and follow an ascending path through the heathland, searching for giant lobelias and groundsels. We then proceed into open moorlands, where small shrubs dominate the landscape. We stop halfway for lunch to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mawenzi. We arrive at the Horombo Huts in the late afternoon, positioned beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts
-Elevation: 3700m to 4700m
-Distance covered: 9.5km
-Hiking time taken: 7 hours.
After breakfast, we continue through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as we enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here, while we stop for lunch and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
Day 4: Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts
-Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3700m
-Distance covered: 22km
-Hiking time taken: 12 – 15 hours
Excitement builds as the morning begins early—between midnight and 2 a.m.—during your 5-day Marangu trek. This segment is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the journey. Moving in a steady switchback formation, we push toward the summit, keeping warm and focused on the incredible achievement ahead.
As we approach Gillman's Point on the crater rim, the ascent takes us through loose scree and possibly snow. During a brief rest there, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may even catch the sunrise from the summit. From Gillman’s Point, the final one-hour climb to Uhuru Peak will likely be through snow, adding to the adventure.
Congratulations! Step by step, you have reached Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent!
After taking photos, celebrating, and perhaps shedding a few joyful tears, we pause to soak in the vast plains of Africa before beginning our descent to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Moshi
-Elevation: 3700m to 1870m
-Distance covered: 20.8km
-Hiking time taken: 8 hours.
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue our descent, stopping at the Mandara Huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will leave them here. You will return to the Marangu Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is significantly warmer, the terrain becomes wet, muddy, and steep, so we highly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will meet you at the gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about a 45-minute ride. Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
This marks the end of your 5-day climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route.
Depart Tanzania.
The day is yours to relax and unwind after completing the 5-day Marangu trek before your flight home. If time permits, you can explore Moshi town, collect some souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the local culture before heading to the airport.
For those looking to extend their adventure, safari tours, Zanzibar getaways, and other add-ons are available to explore Tanzania further.
Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi Town (Before & after the trek – B&B)
Airport pick up and drop off.
Qualified guides with mountain crew
Kilimanjaro Park fees and Rescue fees
Hut fees and sleeping mats
Transport to the Marangu gate and back to the hotel.
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Katady filtered water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Visa
Insurance
Tips to mountain crew
Personal Items
Sleeping bags.
Laundry services (available at the hotel for extra cost)
Flights – Domestic and international flights
CONTACT US
Address:
Taste of Kilimanjaro Adventures
P.O. Box 8642.
Moshi – Tanzania
Email: info@tasteofkilimanjaro.com
Phone: +255622521909
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