5 Days Marangu Route Climbing

Marangu Route is most known as the “Coca-Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. 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. Men’s 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 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.

Day 1

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

Our company Reps will pick you up and drive you to Keys Hotel for dinner and overnight
Travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 40km
Rooming plan: BB
Day 2
Marangu gate (1,8700m) to Mandara hut (2,700m
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), 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.
7 km
4-5 hours
Montane Forest
Meals: L, D
Budget Lodging: Mandara Hut
Day 3

Hike Horombo hut to Kibo hut

On day three of 5 days of the Marangu route climbing, ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and mawenzi. vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
ELEVATION: 3700M/12,200FT TO 4700M/15,500FT
DISTANCE: 9KM/5.5MI
HIKING TIME: 5-6 HOURS
HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT
MEALS: BLD
Day 4

Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

On day four of 5 days marangu route climbing, 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.
the beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. it will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. this is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
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 / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: alpine desert
Meals: BLD
Day 5

Hike Horombo hut to the trailhead, drive to Moshi

Last day of 5 days of Marangu route climbing, after breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through the moorland to the Mandara hut. continue descending through a 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: B