5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro

Trip Overview

Embark on a classic and rewarding 5-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola Route.” As the only trail offering comfortable mountain hut accommodation, Marangu is ideal for trekkers who prefer the warmth and shelter of cabins over camping.

Although considered one of the gentler paths in terms of terrain, the 5-day version provides limited acclimatization time, making it a demanding route suitable for well-prepared climbers. The ascent and descent follow the same trail, taking you through Kilimanjaro’s remarkable ecological zones from lush rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and the icy summit at Uhuru Peak.

For trekkers seeking a scenic, efficient, and historically iconic climb, the Marangu Route offers an unforgettable journey to the “Roof of Africa.”

Price From

$ 1,473

Per person

Trek Highlights

  • The only Kilimanjaro route with mountain hut accommodations
  • Straightforward, well-established trail suitable for confident trekkers
  • Trek through five ecological zones in just five days
  • Overnight stays at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts
  • Sunrise summit via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak
  • Classic, time-efficient route with rich scenery and diverse landscapes

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Arrival Day

Depart Arusha after an early breakfast and begin your journey toward the Serengeti via the Ngorongoro highlands. Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, Maasai settlements, and the crater rim as you make your way to the plains.

Arrive in the Central Serengeti (Seronera area) in time for an afternoon game drive. This region is known for excellent year-round wildlife viewing due to its permanent water sources, attracting lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and large herds of herbivores. After your game drive, head to your lodge or tented camp inside the park for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation;
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
  • Altitude: 1,860m → 2,700m
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Your trek begins at Marangu Gate, where you’ll complete registration before entering the beautiful rainforest zone. The trail is shaded and rich with wildlife—blue monkeys, vibrant birds, thick vegetation, and towering fig trees. The gradual ascent makes for a pleasant start to your climb.
Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon. For those with extra energy, a short walk to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of the plains and distant peaks.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
  • Altitude: 2,700m → 3,720m
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Today’s trek takes you from the thick rainforest into the heath and moorland zone, where the landscape opens up and giant heathers and lobelias dominate the scenery. Clear views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks emerge as you ascend.
Arrive at Horombo Hut, a lively camp where climbers ascending and descending the mountain meet. Enjoy sweeping vistas and a comfortable evening at the huts.
 

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
  • Altitude: 3,720m → 4,720m
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

The trail now enters the alpine desert, a dry and surreal landscape. Cross the vast Saddle, a wide plateau stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo. The elevation gain and thinner air make today’s hike more challenging, but the scenery is breathtaking.
Arrive at Kibo Hut by mid-afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit push. After an early dinner, get some sleep before the final ascent.

Day 4: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Horombo Hut
  • Altitude: 4,720m → 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) → 3,720m
  • Distance: 16 km
  • Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Wake up around midnight for your summit attempt. The steep switchback trail to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) is the most physically challenging part of the trek. Continue along the crater rim past Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Experience a breathtaking sunrise over the glaciers—a moment of triumph and unforgettable beauty.
After memorable photos at the summit, begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest, then continue downward to Horombo Hut for a well-earned dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Moshi
  • Altitude: 3,720m → 1,860m
  • Distance: 20 km
  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Descend through the moorland and rainforest zones, enjoying the warmer, greener scenery as you lose altitude. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, sign out and receive your summit certificate—a proud reminder of your achievement.
From the gate, our team will transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and a celebratory dinner.

Accommodation:
Departure Day – Farewell from Tanzania

Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
For travelers continuing to a safari or Zanzibar holiday, we will assist with seamless onward arrangements.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure ends with a profound sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories from Africa’s highest peak.

Accommodation Options: N/A

Tour Price

Premium Package
Pax
2 Pax
4 Pax
6 Pax
Tour Price
$ 2,375
$ 1,760
$ 1,630

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

What is Included and Not Included on a 5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

Inclusions
Exclusions

Make an Enquiry For This 5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route

If Not This 5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route What Other Trips Can I choose from?