5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu route

The Marangu route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most well-established route.

This route offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. Additionally, Mandara and Kibo Huts have 60 bunk beds, and Horombo Hut has 120. Moreover, guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. Furthermore, the huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.

Many favour Marangu because it is considered the most straightforward path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization reasonably tricky. Moreover, the route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Unfortunately, Marangu is less scenic. Additionally, Marangu involves ascent and descent along the same path. Consequently, it is also the most crowded route for that reason.

Overview:

Therefore, One of the more exciting aspects of the Marangu Route is that it is the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that doesn’t allow camping. Instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in permanent huts.

However, these dormitory-style shelters provide extra protection from the wind and rain, making this route popular for travellers climbing during the rainy season in April and May. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.

While staying at those huts, trekkers will sleep in bunk beds equipped with a simple mattress and pillow. They’ll also be able to purchase an array of candy bars, bottled water, and soft drinks, which is why the Marangu route is often called the “Coca-Cola Route.”

Marangu Route offers a slow, steady climb to each of the daily camps, which has given it the reputation for being the most accessible trekking route on Kilimanjaro.

Don’t underestimate this trail, however. The approach to the final camp can be really demanding, with roughly 1000 meters of vertical gain on that day alone.

Of course, summit day on Kilimanjaro is always a challenge no matter which direction you approach, making the final steps onto the top all the more satisfying.

Due to its status as one of the shortest treks to the summit—requiring just five days to reach Uhuru Peak—the Marangu Route is popular with trekkers who have limited time for their climb.

 
 

Tour features

GAME DRIVES

Safaris include daily game drives in a high quality Land Cruiser, suitable for up to 7 people.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Tanzania Mid-range Safari. We provide the best Tanzania mid-range Safari Experience. Enjoy luxury tented lodges, fantastic wildlife, and top-rated services.

MEALS AND DRINKS INCLUDED

All meals as listed, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

RECOMMENDED DATES

If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.

Tour features

Season & Dates Solo 2 Pax 4 Pax 6 Pax
Low Season

1 MARCH – 30 MAY
$2179
$1453
$1339
$1330
High Season

1 NOV – 20 DEC

6 JAN – 29 FEB
$2294
$1530
$1445
$1406
Peak Season

1 JUN – 31 OCT

21 DEC – 5 JAN
$2558
$1699
$1549
$1539

THE BUDGET:

5 Days from $1330 per person

Price is an estimate only and is dependant on group size, age of children, time of year and your choice of camps.

MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL:

We can incorporate all kind of activities in your safari, like coffee farm tours, hot air balloon, Maasai cultural tours, canoe safari, zip-lining and hiking. See below for our optional extras.

Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi

  • Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel for briefing. Your guides will provide a detailed orientation and examine your gear. If you arrive midday or before, you will have time to explore Moshi, a chilled-out blend of African and Asian influences with a colourful market and a choice of coffee houses and bars. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest to prepare for the adventure ahead.

    • Driving Distance: 45 / km (40 Mins)

Accommodations Option

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Accomodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks

Marangu Gate then Hike up to Mandara Hut

  • This is the first day of the 5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu route. After breakfast from the hotel, you will check your equipment and then journey to the gate, where you will finish the gate formalities before starting the hike up to the Mandara Hut.

    Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides, chefs/chefs, and porters

    Walking through: The rainforest to Mandara encampment

    Short trip: Maundi crater with a view of the surroundings

    What to see: Eucalyptus trees, birds, and Colobus monkeys

    Time & Distance: 3 to 4 hours of hiking of 8km distance Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Accommodations Option

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Accomodation: Mandra Hut

Meals Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Mandara to Horombo hut

  • On this day, you will ascend through the open moorland to the Horombo hut. From this post, you will start to feel the altitude changes.

    Walking through: The moorland to Horombo encampment

    What to see: Lobelias, groundsels, and the great view of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo

    Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides, chefs, and porters

    Time & Distance: 5 to 6hrs hiking of 12km distance

    Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Accommodations Option

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Accomodation: Horombo Hut

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks

Horombo to Kibo Hut

  • On this day, you will pass the last point where you can find water. From there, you will venture deep, walking to the Kilimanjaro saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.

    Walking through: The saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks

    Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides, chefs/chefs, and porters

    What to see: some water streams and hardy grasses as the area is deserted

    Time & Distance: 5 to 7hrs a hiking of 9.5km distance

    Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft 

Accommodations Option

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Accomodation: Kibo Hut

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks

Summit day (ascend for the summit and descend to Kibo then to Horombo)

    • This is the adventurous part of the Marangu route and the memorable part as you are about to be certified with the Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. You will be leaving at midnight, around 2 a.m. Start climbing to the summit on steep, heavy scree or sometimes snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. From there, you will ascend to the Uhuru Peak, and reaching there, you will be at the highest point in Africa or have reached the roof of Africa. You will spend a short time descending from Kibo to the Horombo encampment.

      Walking through: The steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point

      What to see: the incredible view at the Uhuru peak

      Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides during the summit, and you will be joining the chef/chefs and porters at Kibo

      Time & Distance: 6 to 8hrs Ascendiup/hiking of 6km distance and 15km descending to Horombo

      Equipment: Headlamps/flashlight, warm layers as it will be very cold before descending

      Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft 

Accommodations Option

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mandara-huts

Accomodation: Horombo Hut

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks

Horombo to Marangu gate and back to Arusha

    • After breakfast, you will continue descending, passing through the Mandara hut and descending to the Marangu gate, where you started the adventures. From there, the office team will wait for you, and you will be picked up and driven back to Arusha.

      Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides, chefs/chefs, and porters

      Time & Distance: 4 to 5hrs descending of 20km distance

      Walking through: The moorland and lush forest

      Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft 

      • Walking Time: 4 – 5 hours Distance: 20km Altitude Loss: 3700m
      • Driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours

Accommodations Option

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Accomodation: Gran Melia Hotel Arusha

Meals Plan: All Inclusive Package

Departure After breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. Take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. If you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure, and we’ll take care of that for you!

Meals Plan: Breakfast

  • Firstly, Quality, waterproof, four-season private Mountain sleeping tents provided.
  • Experience the 5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu route.
  • Benefit from Professional, experienced mountain guides.
  • Also, all Park fees, Airport transfers, and Rescue fees are included.
  • Enjoy All meals while on the mountain.
  • Ensure Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees are covered.
  • Then, relax in Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs.
  • Enjoy Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food served.
  • However, stay hydrated with Clean, purified drinking water available.
  • Have access to an Oximeter and Medical Kit for safety.
  • Additionally, Emergency oxygen is readily available.
  • Ensure Crisis management and safety procedures are in place.
  • Ensure Fair and ethical treatment of porters is maintained.
  • Pre and Post-Climb Accommodations are arranged.
  • Finally, portable toilet facilities are provided for convenience.
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Also, visa fees
  • Tips on personal spending monies for souvenirs, etc.
  • Lastly, travel Insurance.

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