5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek - Marangu Route

The 5-day Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route for its availability of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original path established to climb Kilimanjaro. While often considered one of the easier routes, it has the lowest success rate (42%) according to KINAPA, mainly due to climbers attempting it in only 5 days and struggling with acclimatization. We’ve added an extra day for acclimatization, significantly improving the success rate.

Day 1: Transfer from Arusha Town to Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (2700m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: About 12 km

Habitat: Montane forest

Elevation change: +720m

Early morning after breakfast, meet your hiking team from Climbing Kilimanjaro guides before being transferred to Marangu Gate around 9:00 am, a 45-minute drive. Registration for climbing Kilimanjaro will take place at Marangu gate. You’ll need a backpack with essentials like a camera, extra clothing, rain jacket, and other items. Porters will carry food, beverages, clothes, and cooking equipment. They walk faster to prepare dinner for you on time. Your guide will lead you on a clear trail through the rainforest, with mist-covered and mossy trees. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll stay overnight. The camp has A-frame wooden huts with solar lighting, accommodating up to 60 climbers.

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

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 15 km

Habitat: Moorland

Elevation change: +1020m

After breakfast, start the trek towards Horombo Hut with a picnic lunch. The trail passes through a forest stretch, then the Maundi Crater base, where you’ll enter the moorland. Consider a short detour to the Maundi Crater rim for a view of Kibo Crater and possibly the glaciers. In the moorlands, you’ll see unique plants like giant lobelia and groundsel. Arrive at Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight stay. Temperatures drop to freezing point at night.

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

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 15 km

Habitat: Alpine desert

Elevation change: +980m

Start the day with a trek to the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Stick to the lower, easier route, passing the last water point to refill your supply. The hike becomes more challenging as the oxygen thins out. Arrive at Kibo Hut, an area with extreme conditions and no water system. Prepare your equipment for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak tonight, ensuring you have enough rest.

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 10 hours

Distance: About 27 km

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Elevation change: +1195m, -2175m

Start the final ascent before midnight, reaching Hans Meyer Cave and Gillman’s Point before sunrise. Walk through snow for about 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight stay, feeling exhilarated with your achievement.

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3720m) to Mandara Hut (1980m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: About 27 km

Habitat: Moorland + Rain Forest

Elevation change: -1740m

After an early breakfast, descend to Marangu Gate, signing out and receiving a summit certificate. Transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.