5 Days Trekking Marangu Route

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Overview

Duration:5 days 4 nights
Tour Type:Daily tour
Language:English, French, German, Italian

Route Description
Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, Marangu is the only trail on the mountain where you stay in huts rather than tents. This non-technical route approaches from the Southeast and follows the same path for the climb and the return journey. While many modern trekkers now choose longer camping routes, Marangu remains the ideal option for beginners or anyone looking for a more comfortable, hut-based experience.
Duration: 5 days Difficulty: Medium Acclimatization: Low Traffic: Medium Scenery: Good

Highlights

Scenic rainforest and moorland landscapes
Comfortable hut accommodation along the route
Gradual ascent for easier acclimatization
Sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Cultural experience on Kilimanjaro’s oldest route
Views from Gillman’s Point and the crater rim

Includes/Excludes

Airport transfers (pick up & drop off)
Transport to/from Marangu Gate
Park entry fees & camping/hut fees
Rescue fees
2 nights accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (before & after the climb)
Accommodation in mountain huts during the trek
Professional mountain guide(s), cook & porters
All meals on the mountain
Drinking water during the trek
Salaries for the crew
Government taxes
Certificate of achievement

International or local flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Mountain gear (can be rented)
Snacks & personal items
Additional accommodation or meals outside the itinerary
Alcoholic or soft drinks during the trek

Day to Day Section

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Day 0: Arrival and Pre-climb Briefing

Program Summary: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO (time to be confirmed) , you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation – B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, and gear check, and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

Accommodation: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel

Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Huts

Program Summary: Departing from Moshi a 1 hour drive will take you through the Village of Marangu to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. Then we begin the trek to Mandara Huts.

Elevation: 1,879m/6,164ft to 2,720m/9,000ft
Stats: Duration: 4-5 hours. Altitude gained: 841m. Distance: 8 km. Zone: Montane Forest.
Accommodation: Mandara Huts

Day 2: Mandara Huts - Horombo Huts

Program Summary: After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through the heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

Elevation: 2,720m/9,000ft to 3,720m/12,204ft
Stats: Duration: 6-8 hours. Altitude gained: 1,000m. Zone: Heathland/Moorland. Distance: 11 km.
Accommodation: Horombo Huts

Day 3: Horombo Huts - Kibo Huts

Program Summary: Today will be much drier than the previous two days as we enter the semi-desert and alpine zone. The trail is dusty and dry as it gradually ascends to Kibo Huts. The last section before the huts is quite steep. Rest and prepare your gear for the summit climb, and get to bed early as we will wake before midnight.

Elevation: 3,720m/12,204ft to 4,720m/15,485ft
Stats: Duration: 3-4 hours. Altitude gained: 1000m. Distance: 9 km. Zone: Alpine Desert.
Accommodation: Kibo Huts

Day 4: Kibo Huts - Uhuru Peak - Kibo Huts

Program Summary: We wake at 11:30 PM for tea/biscuits and begin the steep climb passing Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. After a brief photo opportunity, we descend back to Kibo Huts for a rest and snack, then continue down to Horombo Huts.

Elevation: 4,720m/15,485ft to 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,720m/12,204ft
Stats: Duration: 10-14 hours. Altitude gained: 1,175m. Altitude lost: 2,175m. Distance: 6 km up / 16 km down. Zone: Arctic/Alpine Desert/Moorland.
Accommodation: Horombo Huts

Day 5: Horombo Huts - Marangu Gate - Moshi

Program Summary: After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we make the final descent to Marangu Gate. We will sign out, and a certificate of achievement will be given to you by the National Park. We then drive back to Moshi.

Elevation: 3,720m/12,204ft to 1,879m/6,164ft
Stats: Duration: 5 hours. Altitude lost: 1,841m. Distance: 19 km. Zone: Montane Forest.
Accommodation: La Mama Hotel or Panama Hotel