5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek
Overview
(7 Days Total: Arrival + 5 Trekking Days + Departure)
Start/End: Marangu Gate – Uhuru Peak – Marangu Gate
Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Climb: January–March & June–October
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodation instead of tents. It’s also the shortest path to the summit, making it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and fast climb. While the route is less scenic compared to others, it is favored for its gentle slopes and well-maintained paths. The 5-day version is best suited for fit climbers with prior altitude experience.
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro/Arusha)
- 2 nights hotel in Arusha or Moshi (before and after trek)
- Park fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
- Accommodation in shared mountain huts (bunk beds)
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals on the mountain (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Boiled drinking water during trek
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Summit certificate
- International & domestic flights
- Tanzania visa ($50)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (rentals available)
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters (recommended $250–$300)
- Alcohol, snacks, and personal expenses
- Additional hotel nights or excursions
Tour Plan
Pick-up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide for a climb briefing and gear check. Dinner and overnight stay.
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Distance: 8 km
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Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Register at Marangu Gate and start hiking through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut. Optional walk to Maundi Crater in the afternoon.
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
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Distance: 12 km
Trek through heath and moorland, with beautiful views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Overnight at Horombo Hut.
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Distance: 10 km
Climb past the “Last Water Point” and cross the alpine desert to reach Kibo Hut, basecamp for your summit. Eat early and rest before your midnight ascent.
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Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
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Distance: ~22 km
Start your summit attempt at midnight, passing Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and Stella Point, then reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
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Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
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Distance: 20 km
Descend through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. Congratulations on conquering Kilimanjaro!