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5 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Climb on the Classic Coca-Cola Route

Kilimanjaro · Marangu Route

5 Days Marangu Route

Duration
5 Days
Route
Marangu Route
Highest point
19,340 ft
Price
From $1,600

Tour Overview

The 5 Days Marangu Route is the most direct way up Kilimanjaro and the only route where you sleep in huts, so it suits climbers who want a bit more comfort. People call it the “Coca-Cola Route.” It’s popular because the slope is gentle, the path is well kept and the volcanic scenery is classic Kilimanjaro.

You start at Marangu Gate and walk through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert before you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m). You spend the nights in shared mountain huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo Huts. They’re basic, but they keep you out of the wind and rain.

This 5-day trip is the shortest possible itinerary to the summit, and that also makes it the hardest on your body, because there’s little time to acclimatize. We recommend it for experienced trekkers, or for climbers on a tight schedule who are ready for the challenge.

This route is a good fit for:

  • Climbers who prefer huts to tents
  • Anyone short on time but set on reaching the summit
  • A classic Kilimanjaro climb on a route with a long history
5 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Climb on the Classic Coca-Cola Route
Route map · open full size

Itinerary

10,000 ft 15,000 ft 6,100 Day 01: Drive, 6,100 ft 8,875 Day 01: Mandara Hut, 8,875 ft 12,200 Day 02: Horombo Hut, 12,200 ft 15,500 Day 03: Kibo Hut, 15,500 ft 19,340 Day 04: Horombo Hut, 19,340 ft 12,200 Day 05: Hike Horombo Hut, 12,200 ft 5,500 Day 05: Moshi, 5,500 ft
Ascent profile, in feet: Drive 6,100 ft to Horombo Hut 19,340 ft. Select a point to read that day.
  1. Pre day Arriving in Tanzania

    All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

    The Hotel we are using is between these

    Parkview Inn Hotel

    Panama Garden Resort

    Weruweru River Lodge

  2. Day 01 Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

    After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), 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.

    • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
    Elevation
    1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
    Distance
    8km/5mi
    Habitat
    Montane Forest
    Meals
    LD
  3. Day 02 Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

    You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

    • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    Elevation
    2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
    Distance
    12km/7.5mi
    Habitat
    Heathland
    Meals
    BLD
  4. Day 03 Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

    Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

    • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
    Elevation
    3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
    Distance
    9km/5.5mi
    Habitat
    Alpine Desert
    Meals
    BLD
  5. Day 04 Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

    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!

    • Down to 3700m/12,200ft
    • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
    Elevation
    4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
    Distance
    6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
    Habitat
    Alpine Desert
    Meals
    BLD
  6. Day 05 Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

    After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through 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).

      • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

    Depart Tanzania

    This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

    Elevation
    3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
    Distance
    20km/12.5mi
    Habitat
    Forest
    Meals
    B
    Meals
    Breakfast Included

Places on This Trip

Include

  • Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • Private transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi before and after trek (Parkview inn or Panama depending on availabiility during booking
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Park entry fees,
  • Hut fees
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit

Exclude

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
  • Travel insurance
  • Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is available for extra charges $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.
  • Flights
  • Laundry (Available at hotel)
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the
  • Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
  • Guides: $20/day/guide
  • Cook: $15/day
  • Porter: $10/day/porter

Prices

Standard Package Price For 5 Days Marangu Route.

People in Group1-23-56-89+
Standard Package$1,800$1,700$1,650$1,600

Prices in US dollars.

Trekking Preparation

Testimonials

What Our Travelers Say About Our Tours

  • Highly Experienced and Wonderful Crew

    The 7 days Lemosho route Kilimanjaro trek exceeded our expectations. The route is so beautiful and we enjoyed tackling the mountain with experienced guides - Bakari and Nickson. They were supportive from start to finish in all the aspects of the trek, starting with the technical strategy on the speed, rests and ensuring that we were healthy through regular checks.

    SteveRead on TripAdvisor

  • Absolutely Beautiful Memories For My Family

    Traveling with my 6 members of my family of ages between 8 and 73 is always a complex task with many moving parts. We had to arrange for Mama and Poppas dietary restrictions, accommodations, easy access for Mama and off-course places with a pool and kids activities for Lil Poppa and his teenage sister Anna.

    Martina_EaghanRead on TripAdvisor

  • Awesome Trekking

    My bothers and I shared one of the most incredible experiences in Tanzania as we trekked up Kilimanjaro. Our host Naick of Kilisa Tours & Safaris is the man behind our success.

    TobiasRead on TripAdvisor

  • Fun & Adventure On Our Christmas Vacation

    Our safari to Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti with Kilisa Tours and Safaris for exceeded all our expectations in every way. We were impressed by the high standards set right from our pickup at the airport, during the trip to the good byes. Nothing was left to chance as every detail had been well planned for.

    MauriceRead on TripAdvisor

  • The Best Experience Absolutely

    We could not have asked for a better experience on Kilimanjaro. Everything about this trip with this local operator was top notch. Starting with the booking with Naick who made it smooth and easy with his timely responses and advice. Payment was easy and they took care of all the logistics that all we had to do was present ourselves at the KIA.

    LokiRead on TripAdvisor

  • Hike Mt Kilimanjaro

    We have visited Tanzania before, but this was our first time trekking Kilimanjaro. We are truly thrilled with our decision to choose Kilisa Tours & Safaris for our adventure, as they provided exceptional support throughout the trek.

    Tephia SRead on TripAdvisor

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