5 Day Climbing Marangu Route

Trip Overview for 5 Day Climbing Marangu Route

The 5-Day Marangu Route is the most popular and cheapest route for climbing Kilimanjaro; however, it can be crowded at times, particularly between July and September and December and March. The 6-day option is highly recommended because it gives the better acclimatization compared to the 5-day climbing Marangu Route.

The 5-day climbing Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the most popular of the available routes on Kilimanjaro today. This makes it ideal for hiking during the rainy season, as it is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. For more information on Kilimanjaro, visit Wikipedia’s Kilimanjaro page. The route is an overused path that traverses all the climate zones, ranging from tropical rainforest to the eternal ice. Along the way, hikers can experience stunning African landscapes, which are also featured in various YouTube videos.

5-day climbing Marangu Route programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization. Arrive in Tanzania Meal: Breakfast and dinner included Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel from Kilimanjaro international airport. Afterwards, our well-trained guide will brief you on your trek and will conduct equipment checks to ensure that you have all the necessary mountain gear. Spend the night in your hotel.

Full Detailed Itinerary for 5 Day Climbing Marangu Route

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Distance covered: 8 km

Approximate time taken: 5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

 

After having breakfast, be picked up for the hotel around 8:00 am and then drive to Marangu Gate. After all registration formalities, this is the point where for 5 hours you will hike to Mandara Hut and cover 9 km. As you head to Mandara Hut, the dense rainforest will offer you some beautiful glimpses of primates such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys.

Day 2 -Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Distance covered: 12 km

Approximate time taken: 8 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

Once we are finished with breakfast, we will head out on our hike, which will take us toward Horombo Hut. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, we will see the Horombo Hut, which is at an altitude of around 3,700 m. From the Hut, you can enjoy fantastic views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Day 3:Horombo Hut (3720m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance covered: 9 km

Approximate time taken: 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

After breakfast, we are going to start another pretty day, just like usual. For most of the first part of the day, you will hike through what is left of the healthy land, which soon transforms into almost a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. After lunch, make a crossing of this surprisingly vast saddle where you can shoot a glimpse of the summit trail leading up Kibo that you will climb in just a few hours. So, an early dinner is on the cards and a long rest before heading to the summit.

Day 4: Kibo hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) and down to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Distance covered: 21 km

Approximate time taken: 13 hours

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: Hut

Well, it’s pretty much the day you have been anticipating, and there is a certain amount of nervous excitement. There is wake up at 1:00 am to get out to the summit; and it would take you around 4-5 hours to pull through to the Gilmans Point at 5681 m above sea level-the crater rim of Kilimanjaro-where sun would somewhat slowly start warming up the lands. Then, after hiking for another 1hr 30 minutes reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895 m, spend some time taking pictures and appreciate the African sunrises forming the horizon; afterward descent to Kibo Hut having a warm lunch and short rest for 1-2 hours. Afterwards you leave to go Horombo Hut once again to pass your last night over Kilimanjaro.

Day 5: - Horombo Hut (3720m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance covered: 21 km

Approximate time taken: 13 hours

Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Rouse yourself early as ever and descend the moorlands to Mandara Huts. There, you will have a hot lunch before continuing your descent through the tropical rainforest to the park gate. A vehicle will transfer you to the hotel, where it will be high time to celebrate.

5 Day Climbing Marangu Route Cost Breakdown

Number of People

1 Pax

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

Price is Per Person

$1,593

$1,364

$1,293

$1,239

$1,220

Climbing Cost Includes

Climbing Cost Excludes

Our Climbing Addons

Hotels Addons for Extra Charges We offer the following hotel options in Arusha. Accommodation based on half board per person.
Hotel NameSingle RoomDouble RoomTriple Room
Kili Seasons HotelUSD 165USD 165USD 165
Kibo Palace HotelUSD 195USD 248USD 273
Forest Hill HotelUSD 150USD 218USD 270
Mlimba Parm HotelUSD 60USD 120
Parrot HotelUSD 95USD 180
African Tulip HotelUSD 198USD 334
Please note: If any hotel is booked out or unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.

Climbing Gear Add-ons

If you are booking a hotel directly, please check with us before booking to ensure we can meet you and arrange pickup.

Gear ItemRate
Private ToiletUSD 150
Private TentUSD 7 per day
Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with VestibuleUSD 12 per day
Thicker Sleeping MattressUSD 10 per mattress
ThermosetsUSD 17 per thermoset
Full Climbing Gear RentalUSD 350 per climb
Our packages include a 2-inch foam mattress by default. You may upgrade to a 4-inch mattress for an additional cost as listed above.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options:

RouteRate
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) → Moshi / ArushaUSD 70 per vehicle
Moshi / Arusha → Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)USD 70 per vehicle
Arusha → MoshiUSD 100 per vehicle
Moshi → ArushaUSD 100 per vehicle

Payment Terms

Deposit Payment
Deposit Amount30% of the total booking amount
Payment MethodsBank transfer or online card payment
Card Payment Fee5% surcharge (non-refundable)
Bank TransferBank account details provided upon request
ConfirmationBooking confirmation sent after deposit is received
Balance Payment
Payment OptionsBank transfer, card payment, or cash
Bank TransferRecommended 30 days prior; accepted up to 15 days before tour
Card PaymentRecommended 7 days prior; accepted up to 1 day before tour
5% surcharge (non-refundable)
Cash PaymentAccepted on arrival (USD notes printed in or after 2009)
Cancellation Policy
10+ Days Before DepartureOnly bank charges apply as cancellation fees
0–9 Days Before Departure50% of total tour price charged as cancellation fees
PostponementTrek can be postponed to any new date at no extra cost
Card Surcharge5% surcharge on advance/balance payments is non-refundable

Climb Highlights

LocationMount Kilimanjaro
Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Summit Success RateMedium success rate
Difficulty LevelSemi-difficulty
Minimum Age8+, 12+, 16+
Price From $1,364
Per Person
This price is based on two people

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