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5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Overview
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only Kilimanjaro trail offering comfortable hut accommodation instead of camping. This 5-day climb follows a direct path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) via the eastern side of the mountain.
It is ideal for trekkers seeking a shorter itinerary with solid trails and shared hut facilities.
Day-by-Day
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Mandara Hut (2,720m)
Your adventure begins at Marangu Gate, where registration takes place before entering Kilimanjaro National Park.
The trail winds through lush rainforest filled with giant ferns, eucalyptus trees, and playful blue monkeys. After a steady ascent, you reach Mandara Hut, where you spend your first night in comfortable wooden huts.
Optional short walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views.
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape opens into heath and moorland with giant lobelias and groundsels.
On clear days, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s rugged secondary peak.
You arrive at Horombo Hut, where you rest and acclimatize.
Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Today’s trek crosses the dramatic “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Vegetation disappears as you enter a lunar-like alpine desert zone.
You reach Kibo Hut in the afternoon. After an early dinner and briefing, you rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you begin your final ascent toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. From there, you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Standing at Uhuru Peak is an unforgettable achievement — sunrise over Africa from the roof of the continent.
After celebration and photos, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
Your final descent takes you back through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate. Here, you receive your official summit certificate before transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
What’s Included
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Assistant guides & porters
- All park fees & rescue fees
- All hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
- Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Drinking water
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides & porters
- Alcoholic beverages
- All what is not explicitly included