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5 Days Marangu Route
Price Per Perrsonal
USD $1957
5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, marangu Route
The 5-day Marangu Route is one of the quickest and most established ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it features a steady incline along a well-kept trail, making it a favored choice for those looking for a shorter trek. A unique aspect of this route is its accommodation—climbers sleep in wooden huts with dormitory-style rooms rather than tents, offering more warmth and comfort. The journey passes through a variety of landscapes, starting with tropical rainforest at the Marangu Gate, then moving through heath and moorland zones, and eventually entering the alpine desert on the way to Uhuru Peak.
While the 5-day version doesn’t include an extra day for acclimatization, it suits seasoned hikers or those accustomed to quick altitude changes. Despite the physical demands, the route is highly rewarding, with stunning views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Crater, and the summit glaciers. The descent follows the same trail, letting trekkers revisit the landscapes from a fresh angle. For climbers seeking a faster yet picturesque route to the roof of Africa, the Marangu Route is an excellent choice.
Best for
Adventure Lovers
Honeymooners
Mountaineers
Group Safari
Highlight
PAX
Any group size
Accommodation
Camp
Start/End
Arusha/Moshi
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,870m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m)
Elevation:
1,870m to 2,720m
Hiking Time:
4–5 hours
Distance:
8 km / 5 miles
Habitat:
Rainforest
Your journey kicks off with a morning transfer from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,870m), the official entry point to Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you’ve checked in with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you’ll meet your team of guides, porters, and a cook who will support you throughout the trek. The hike begins through a vibrant rainforest, filled with towering trees, lush ferns, and an array of wildlife, including playful monkeys and colorful birds.
The trail on the first day is a gentle, steady incline, well-marked and easy to navigate, offering a smooth start to your adventure. Along the way, you might spot colobus and blue monkeys swinging through the canopy. After trekking for about 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Mandara Hut (2,720m), a wooden dormitory-style lodge where you’ll spend the night. Later in the afternoon, you can take a short excursion to Maundi Crater, which provides stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and the far-reaching Kenyan plains. A warm meal will be served in the evening before you rest up for the next leg of the climb.
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation:
2,720m to 3,720m
Hiking Time:
5–6 hours
Distance:
11 km / 6.8 miles
Habitat:
Heath and moorland
Following an early breakfast, you’ll leave the lush rainforest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. As the trail gently climbs, it reveals expansive views of Mawenzi Peak (5,149m), the second-highest point on Kilimanjaro. The landscape changes dramatically, with vegetation giving way to giant heathers and distinctive high-altitude plants like lobelias and giant groundsels.
The trek to Horombo Hut (3,720m) spans about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours. As you ascend, you may start to notice the effects of the thinning air. Once you reach Horombo Hut, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of both Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. This hut is more spacious than Mandara, accommodating more trekkers and offering common areas for dining and relaxation. After enjoying a filling dinner, you’ll have time to rest and get ready for the more demanding climb ahead.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Elevation:
3,720m to 4,703m
Hiking Time:
6–7 hours
Distance:
10 km / 6.2 miles
Habitat:
Alpine desert
Today’s hike is more strenuous as you climb into the alpine desert zone, where the scenery becomes stark and rocky, with minimal plant life. Along the way, you’ll pass the well-known “Last Water Point” before reaching the Saddle—a wide, barren expanse that stretches between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This section is dry, often windy, and fully exposed to the elements, so wearing proper layers and staying well-hydrated is crucial.
The trek to Kibo Hut (4,703m) takes about 6 to 7 hours and covers a distance of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). As you approach this final base camp before the summit, the air becomes noticeably thinner, and you may begin to feel mild altitude effects. Dinner is served early, and it’s important to get as much rest as possible, as the summit climb begins just after midnight.
Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,703m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Elevation
4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,720m
Hiking Time:
10–14 hours (6–8 hours to summit, 4–6 hours descent)
Distance:
22 km / 13.7 miles
Habitat:
Arctic to alpine desert to moorland
This is the trek’s toughest yet most exhilarating day. The summit attempt starts around midnight, when you set off on a steep, slow climb in total darkness, guided only by the beam of your headlamp. The air is frigid and thin, making every step a challenge. Your guide will remind you to move “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) to preserve your strength.
After roughly 5–6 hours of relentless effort, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim just as the first light of dawn splashes the sky with brilliant colors. From there, another 1–2 hours of trekking brings you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest spot on the continent. Standing on Africa’s “Roof,” you’ll gaze at shimmering glaciers and sweeping horizons, filled with an overwhelming sense of triumph.
Following your celebration and photos, you’ll descend to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and lunch, then continue onward to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for the night. Although the downhill trek is taxing on the knees, the richer oxygen makes breathing easier. Altogether, expect to be on your feet for 10–14 hours today.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Moshi/Arusha
Elevtaion
3,720m to 1,870m
Hiking Time:
6–7 hours
Distance:
20 km / 12.4 miles
Habitat:
Heath and rainforest
Your last day on Kilimanjaro begins with a long descent that takes you back through the moorland and heath zones before re-entering the lush rainforest. The trek to Marangu Gate (1,870m) covers about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and takes roughly 6 to 7 hours. As you descend, the air grows warmer and more oxygen-rich, making the hike noticeably easier.
Once you arrive at Marangu Gate, you’ll check out with the park authorities and receive a certificate to mark your accomplishment—a Green Certificate if you reached Gilman’s Point, or a Gold Certificate for those who made it to Uhuru Peak. From there, your driver will take you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can celebrate your incredible journey with a refreshing shower, a satisfying meal, and some much-needed rest.
Tour Price
1 Person
On Request
2 people
USD $1922
3 people
USD $1874
4 people
USD $ 1868
5 people
USD $1833
6 people
USD $1828
7 people
On Request
Included
- All meals
- FWD transportation with a pop up roof while on Safari.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Transfer to and from the Airport.
- Accommodation cost on safari.
- Government Taxes.
- Excursions as per itinerary
Excluded
- Tanzania Visa: $50/$100 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.
- Optional Tours.
- International flights
- Yellow fever vaccinations
General tour information
Tanzania visa information
Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania.
Visas can be obtained:
- Online via the eVisa system.
- On arrival at major airports (JRO, DAR, ZNZ).
- In advance from a Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
Cost:
- $50 for most nationalities.
- $100 for U.S. citizens.
Passport requirements:
- Valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
- At least one blank page for entry stamps.
Bookings & Confirmations
- Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for peak seasons (June–October & December–February).
- A deposit is typically required to confirm a reservation.
- Full payment is usually due weeks before departure.
- Upon confirmation, you will receive:
- Detailed itinerary.
- Accommodation information.
- Essential travel details (permits, packing lists, etc.).
Cancellation Policy
- We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
- 30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
- Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
- No-show or early departure: No refund.
- We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.
Accommodation information
Tanzania offers various accommodation options:Budget:
- Camping & basic lodges.
- Mid-range: Standard lodges & tented camps.
- Luxury: High-end lodges & private tented camps.
Popular safari destinations for accommodations:
- Serengeti,
- Ngorongoro Crater,
- Tarangire, Selous, and Zanzibar.
Most lodges provide:
- Full-board services (meals included).
- Eco-friendly facilities & stunning natural settings.
Early booking is recommended, especially in high-demand areas.
Additional Travel Information
Currency & Payments:
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency.
- USD is widely accepted, but carrying small cash is advised.
- Credit cards are accepted in most hotels & lodges.
Health & Vaccinations:
- Yellow fever vaccination required if
- traveling from an endemic country.
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, routine immunizations.
- Malaria prevention is advised; carry appropriate medication.
Language & Communication:
- Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
- Mobile network coverage is available in most tourist areas.
- Wi-Fi is accessible in most lodges and hotels.
Time Zone & Electricity:
- East Africa Time (EAT) – UTC+3.
- Standard voltage: 230V.
- Power plugs: Type D & G – A universal adapter is recommended.
Flights to Tanzania
- International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.
Alternative Airports:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar
From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.
Important Requirments
Luggate Restrictions
Weight Limit:
Domestic flights in Tanzania have strict baggage limits, typically 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on.
Bag Type:
Soft-sided duffel bags are recommended for easy storage on small aircraft and safari vehicles.
Prohibited Items:
Avoid packing plastic bags as they are banned in Tanzania.
Additional Charges: Excess baggage fees may apply if you exceed the airline’s weight limit.
Health Information
Vaccinations:
- Yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from or transiting through an endemic country.
- Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (for those spending extended time in remote areas).
Malaria Prevention:
- Tanzania is a malaria-risk area; consult a doctor for antimalarial medication.
- Use insect repellent with DEET and sleep under a mosquito net when available.
Water & Food Safety:
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Avoid raw or unpeeled fruits and vegetables unless properly washed.
Travel Insurance:
- Highly recommended to cover medical emergencies and evacuation.
Weather in Tanzania
Dry Season (June – October):
- Best time for wildlife viewing with clear skies.
- Cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
Short Rainy Season (November – December):
- Occasional short rains, but safaris are still possible.
Green Season (January – March):
- Lush landscapes, great for photography and birdwatching.
- Ideal time for calving season in the Serengeti.
Long Rainy Season (April – May):
- Heavy rains, some lodges may close, and roads can be muddy.
What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes in neutral colors (khaki, green, beige).
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun and insect protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
- Waterproof jacket during the rainy season.
Footwear:
- Comfortable hiking or safari boots.
- Sandals for lodge stays.
Accessories:
- Hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
Personal Essentials:
- Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Small backpack for day trips.
“This was the most unforgettable experience of my life! I captured stunning and rare wildlife photos, with incredible sightings that left me in awe. The expert guidance from our guide helped me improve my photography skills, and my memory cards were completely full! Beyond the safari, I loved visiting a local Maasai village, where I had the chance to photograph the vibrant culture, daily life, and the hardworking women in the fields. Every moment felt authentic and deeply inspiring. I can’t wait to return to Tanzania and explore even more breathtaking locations!”
Jane P.
Plan your Tanzania adventure
Looking for a Custom Safari Adventure?
From the moment you begin planning your adventure with Clotilda Safaris, we’re here to guide you through every detail, creating a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences and level of exclusivity. While our remote team manages bookings, transfers, and activity arrangements, our dedicated ground team is available 24/7 to assist with any needs, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
