The best Marangu route in 5 days| Kilimanjaro’s Climbing Overview

The best Marangu route in 5 days. There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west.

The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka. The Marangu route in 5 days offers scenic views of the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro. However, the fact that it uses the same path for ascent and descent limits the variety of sceneries and makes the trail fairly crowded. While the 5-day itinerary might sound tempting, it is much more challenging due to harsh acclimatization.

Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.

The best Marangu route in 5 days

The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.

This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

The best Marangu route in 5 days| Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Day 0 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 of The best Marangu route in 5 days : Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

The best Marangu route in 5 days : Inclusions


All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Sleeping Mattress

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

All meals while on the Mountain

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Kilimanjaro summit certificate

The best Marangu route in 5 days : Exclusions


Tanzania Visa

International and domestic flights

Hotel (available as an optional addon)

Transfers (available as an optional addon)

Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)

Tips and gratuities

Travel insurance

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed in the itinerary

Liquors, beers and bottled beverages

Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

The best Marangu route in 5 days : Payment Terms


The best Marangu route in 5 days : Deposit Payment

Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
The best Marangu route in 5 days : Balance Payment

Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).