Climb Mt.Kilimanjaro 5 Days Marangu Route Overview.

Marangu Route is the oldest path used by climbers to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins on the southeastern side of the mountain and is approximately a one-hour drive from Moshi town to the Marangu Gate. The route passes through Mandara Hut and Horombo Hut before ascending northward to Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters, which serves as the base camp. Kibo Hut offers both hut and campsite accommodations, similar to Horombo Hut.

The Marangu Route is unique as the only path on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations, earning it the nickname "Coca-Cola Route" for its relative comfort and accessibility. Many tourists choose the 5-day Marangu Route for its simplicity, affordability, and shorter duration. It is especially popular among first-time climbers, budget-conscious travelers, and those who prefer to avoid camping. However, due to the faster ascent, it requires good physical preparation and carries a higher risk of altitude sickness.

The summit attempt begins from Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters in the early morning hours, often timed to coincide with a full moon for better visibility. This section is typically the coldest and windiest part of the trek. However, once the sun rises, climbers can usually remove most of their extra layers. After reaching the summit, the descent retraces the route back to Kibo Hut and continues to Horombo Hut, marking the beginning of the end of your Mount Kilimanjaro journey as you prepare for your next adventure.For a complete itinerary and details for the 5-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu Route, click the link below.

Get Comprehensive Guide to the 5-Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Marangu Route

DAY-1 : MOSHI TOWN TO MARANGU GATE.

Starting elevation 900m Moshi Town
Ending elevation 1820m Marangu Gate
Altitude change 920m
Driving distance 45kms
Driving hours 1 hour
In the morning, after breakfast, we will depart from Moshi and drive to the Marangu Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon arrival, we will complete the registration process and confirm payment before beginning our hike.

There may be a short delay as the team of guides, chefs, and porters prepares for the trek. They will need to organize all the equipment required for the six-day journey on the mountain excluding meals, as fresh food will be delivered from town after the third day. This preparation typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of climbers that day.

MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

Starting elevation 1820m Marangu gate
Ending elevation 2720m Mandara Hut
Altitude change 1100m
Trekking distance 8kms
Walking hours 3-4hours
Overnight hut Mandara hut
Once registration is complete and the team is ready, we will begin our trek from Marangu Gate toward Mandara Hut. Shortly after setting off, we’ll enter the lush rainforest, where you can take in the sights of towering eucalyptus trees, a wide variety of bird species, and playful colobus monkeys.

At the lower elevations, the terrain is often wet and muddy due to the rainforest conditions. Gaiters and trekking poles can be especially useful in these areas. While shorts and t-shirts are generally suitable for hiking at this stage, it's important to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing easily accessible throughout the day.

At Mandara Hut, the team will prepare hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to help you warm up. Afterward, you’ll have the chance to take a short walk to Maundi Crater, which offers breathtaking views of northern Tanzania, Kenya, and Lake Challa—nestled along the border between the two countries.

DAY-2 : MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

Starting elevation 2720m Mandara Hut
Ending elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 12kms
Walking hours 6-7hours
Overnight hut Horombo Hut
From Mandara Hut, the team will begin hiking for about an hour through small rainforest clearings. We will then follow an ascending path into the heather zone, where you’ll encounter unique plant life such as giant groundsels (Senecio) and lobelias, along with many other endemic species native to this region.

Depending on distance, pace, and individual preferences, hikers may choose to either stop along the trail for a picnic lunch or continue on to Horombo Hut for a hot meal. If you're feeling fit, we recommend continuing slowly to Horombo Hut to enjoy a warm lunch upon arrival. However, it's important to be aware that altitude-related symptoms such as headaches and nausea may start to appear in this area (around Horombo Hut).

If the skies are clear, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the summit. As the trail ascends into open moorlands, small shrubs become the dominant vegetation, and the scenery opens up to offer remarkable views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

DAY-3 : HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

Starting elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Ending elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 9kms
Walking hours 4-5hours
Overnight hut Kibo Hut
This is a wonderful day, long and challenging. The nearly vegetation-less plateau leads us to the main summit, where the terrain becomes steep. However, we are rewarded with our first sight of some of the famous "cones" of Mount Kilimanjaro: both Kibo and Mawenzi.

After crossing the Maua River, we will ascend toward the barren, dry terrain known as The Saddle. We will head for the huts located at the base of Kibo's summit in preparation for our midnight departure to the summit. Kibo Huts, constructed from stone and wood, provide basic accommodations for climbers. These huts serve as a crucial resting point, allowing trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude before the final push to Uhuru Peak.

DAY-4 : KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK

Starting elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Ending elevation 5895M
Altitude change 1175m
Trekking distance 7 kms
total time to be used to uhuru peak 6 - 8.5 hours
From Kibo Hut to Gilman's Point is the most mentally and physically challenging part of your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. However, reaching this goal will provide a great sense of achievement, reminding you that this is your Kilimanjaro experience—make the most of it. The typical departure time for this hike is around midnight.

We will start our hike with a long and tough climb from Kibo Hut at 4,720 meters to Gilman's Point at 5,681 meters. This ascent can be quite difficult, but once we reach Gilman's Point, the hardest part will be behind us. While Gilman's Point marks the top of the ridge, it is not the highest point on the mountain; that honor belongs to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (Uhuru means "freedom"). Before reaching Uhuru Peak, we will pass Stella Point at 5,720 meters, which serves as a junction point from Barafu. From Gilman's Point, it becomes easier to reach Uhuru Peak. This final stretch typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, allowing you to fulfill your dream and exclaim, "Wow! I made it to Kilimanjaro!"—the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the peak of Africa.

It is important not to stay at Uhuru Peak for too long, as acute mountain sickness can affect climbers after reaching the summit. A recommended time of 10 to 15 minutes is sufficient to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos before heading back down. After leaving Uhuru Peak, we will descend back to Kibo Hut via the same route. This descent typically takes 3 to 4 hours, where we will take a short break at Kibo Hut before having lunch and then continuing our hike down to Horombo Hut.

KIBO HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

Starting elevation 4720m Kibo Hut
Ending elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Altitude change 1000m
Trekking distance 9kms
Walking hours 2-3hours
Overnight hut Horombo Hut
After enjoying a nice little rest and having breakfast or lunch, we will gather our belongings and prepare to head to Horombo Hut. Here, we will have dinner and enjoy some well-deserved sleep.

It is important to note that you should avoid staying too long at Kibo Hut after the summit attempt at 4,720 meters, as the high altitude can increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). A stay of 1 to 2 hours is sufficient before the team calls you for the next shift to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, where the air is fresher and more conducive to recovery.

DAY-5 : HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Starting elevation 3720m Horombo Hut
Ending elevation 1820M Marangu Gate
Altitude change 1900m
Trekking distance 20kms
Walking hours 5-7hours
Overnight hut Moshi town/Arusha
The great day has finally arrived! Today, we will trek through the moorland zone until we reach Mandara Huts, then continue through the lush rainforest, where various species of monkeys and the endemic Impatiens kilimanjari flower thrive.

Upon arriving at the Marangu Gate, we will need to sign out. All successful climbers will receive a certificate of completion from the national park. Climbers who reach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters) and Stella Point (5,720 meters) will receive green certificates, while those who reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) will be awarded gold certificates.

After receiving your certificate, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can finally enjoy that long-awaited hot shower and a well-deserved celebration. This is also a great time to express your appreciation to the team by handling tips for the guides, chefs, and porters who supported you throughout the climb. From here, we will assist you with plans for your next destination, whether it's heading to the airport for your return flight or embarking on an exciting safari tour to explore more of Tanzania’s breathtaking natural wonders. The adventure doesn’t have to end here—there’s so much more to discover in this beautiful country!
The tourist will have to pay $1695.00(P/P) price based on 2 person include the following services as it listed on the table below. for any query please call us or send us a message for clarifications from our team. Book This Package Now

SERVICES WE OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING

Airport pickup on arrival and return on departure time .
2 Nights hotels, meaning full one before climb and after climb.
All transfers to the mountain and back to Moshi town.
Professional, experienced, mountain guides, cookers, and porters
Guides, Porters, and Cooker salaries.
waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis).
Sleeping Mattress. (Not via Marangu route)
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder.
Three meals on Mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Purified or Boilled drinking water while on the Mountain.
Mess tents with tables and outdoor chairs.
VAT (18% ) and All government fees.

SERVICES WE NOT OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING

Tanzania Visa.
Hotels and Transfers (available as an optional add-on).
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for rent in here Tanzania too; don't stress if you forget some of the trekking equipment).
Tips and gratuities (Recommended Tipping Amount Per Day; Head guide $20++; Ass.Guide $18++;, cooker $15++;, Summit Porter $12++;, Waiter $12++;, Porter $10++;).
Portable flush toilet with the toilet tent as an add-on, please see we will need you to pay an extra 150$ per toilet.
Travel insurance.
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.).
Meals not listed in the itinerary.
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages.