Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 5 Days Marangu Route
From $. 1,578 USD* / 24/7 service / 7 days
*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)
This 5-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route is specifically designed to balance time and altitude gain, optimizing the chances for a successful summit attempt while providing enough time for acclimatization. However, it is important to note that the Marangu Route is still physically demanding, and it requires proper physical conditioning and preparation. Though it is often regarded as “easier,” the final ascent to Uhuru Peak is challenging for even the most experienced trekkers.
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its relatively easier and more comfortable trekking conditions (including hut accommodations), is one of the oldest and most established paths on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is commonly used by both first-time trekkers and experienced climbers who seek a straightforward route with predictable conditions.
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
There are several reasons why the Marangu Route is favored by many trekkers:
Hut Accommodations: Unlike other routes where climbers sleep in tents, the Marangu Route offers basic hut facilities at each camp. This provides shelter from the elements, particularly on rainy days, and offers a modicum of comfort that other routes may lack.
Shorter Trek Duration: The 6-day version of the Marangu Route is often seen as the best balance between a reasonable trekking duration and altitude acclimatization. This makes it an attractive option for those who have limited time but still want to summit.
Familiarity: As one of the oldest routes on Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route is well-established with a high success rate for summit attempts, particularly when proper acclimatization is followed.
Safety and Experience: The Marangu Route is considered a “safer” route due to its gradual ascent and direct path to the summit. The trek also benefits from well-trained local guides, cooks, and porters, many of whom have extensive experience on the mountain.
Availability of Facilities: The Marangu Route is well-supplied with fresh drinking water and other basic facilities like toilets along the way.
Day 1: Arrival At Kilimanjaro International Airport
After clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by your safari guide. Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha to check in and freshen up. We have suggested bellow a comfortable accommodations based on your budget from 3 stars, 4stars or 5stars.
If you arrive in morning time, you will have rest at your hotel and after lunch, take a compliment short tour of Arusha town. Visit the local market for an authentic experience, and if time permits, visit the Arusha Declaration Museum to learn about Tanzania’s history. Experience the local culture by interacting with the friendly locals.
Evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your accommodation or local restaurant to try local dishes like NyamaChoma(grilled meat) or/and Ugali(cornmeal).
Accommodations:
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m / 8,858 ft)
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain: 800 meters
The adventure begins with a drive to the Marangu Gate, the official entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. After registering and receiving your briefing, you will begin your trek through the lush rainforest zone. The first part of the trek is relatively gentle, allowing you to ease into the climb. The path is wide, well-maintained, and surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, offering the first glimpse of the unique flora and fauna of Kilimanjaro.
The Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) is located in a beautiful forest clearing and will be your home for the night. This is the first of several huts on the route. Expect basic amenities like bunk beds, a dining area, and a small kitchen where your team will prepare dinner.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,700 m / 12,136 ft)
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Trek Duration: 6–8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters
After a hearty breakfast, you will continue your ascent through the moorland zone, which is characterized by grasslands, heather, and small shrubs. As you trek toward Horombo Hut, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape begins to take on a more alpine feel. On this day, you will begin to notice the thinner air as you ascend to higher altitudes.
Horombo Hut (3,700 meters) is situated at the foot of the Kibo Plateau. The huts here are simple but comfortable, and trekkers often experience the first signs of altitude fatigue on this day. Be sure to rest and hydrate as you acclimatize to the higher elevation.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m / 15,420 ft)
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Trek Duration: 5–7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters
Today’s trek will take you into the alpine desert zone, where vegetation is sparse, and the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. The altitude begins to take a toll, and the pace may slow down. Kibo Hut is located at an altitude of 4,700 meters and serves as the final base camp before your summit attempt. The air is thin, and the cold, wind, and arid conditions are noticeable.
At Kibo Hut, you’ll rest, have a warm meal, and prepare for the final push to the summit. It’s important to hydrate and eat well today, as the climb to the summit will begin in the early hours of the following day.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 21 km / 13 miles (round trip)
- Trek Duration: 12–14 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,195 meters (to Uhuru Peak)
- Elevation Loss: 1,195 meters (to Horombo Hut)
Summit day is the longest and most challenging day of the trek. You will begin your ascent in the middle of the night, around 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM, to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The trek begins with a steep climb up a rocky path known as the “zig-zags,” which leads to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (5,685 meters). From Gilman’s Point, the final stretch to Uhuru Peak follows a flatter path along the crater rim, leading to the summit.
The temperature is frigid at the top, but the sense of accomplishment is indescribable. After taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, the summit, and the vast African plains below, you’ll begin your descent back to Horombo Hut.
The descent is long but less physically demanding than the ascent. It’s important to descend carefully to avoid strain on the knees and joints.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Distance: 27 km / 16.8 miles
- Trek Duration: 5–7 hours
- Elevation Loss: 1,000 meters
After a well-deserved rest at Horombo Hut, the final day of the trek involves descending back to the Marangu Gate. The route takes you through the moorland and rainforest zones, which seem very different in daylight. You will retrace your steps to the Marangu Gate, where your trek will officially end.
At the gate, you’ll collect your certificates of achievement and reflect on your incredible journey.
Accommodations:
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 7: Departure:
Late morning breakfast, them you will have city tour and have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in local craft shops.
Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or proceed with safari tour or flight to Zanzibar.
| What Included on the Package | What Excluded on the Package |
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Kilimanjaro Mountain Packing List
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Clothing:
- 4-5 Pairs of underwear
- Top and bottom base layer – Icebreaker (Women) or SmartWool (Men)
- 3-4 Short sleeve and 1-2 long sleeve trekking shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of hiking trousers
- 1 Fleece jacket – Helly Hansen (Men) or The North Face (Women)
- 1 Insulated winter jacket – Arc’Teryx Atom (Men) or North Face Nuptse (Women)
- 1 Insulated trekking trousers
- 1 Hardshell jacket – North Face Resolve Resolve (Men) and North Face Venture 2 (Women)
- Lightweight raingear
Headgear:
- Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
- Warm beanie or fleece headband
- Bandana or neck gaiter
- Headlamp – PETZL Tikka
- Sunglasses
Hands and Walking:
- Lightweight inner gloves – New Balance Lightweight Gloves
- Warm outer gloves/mitts – Gore-Tex Gloves (Men) or Black Diamond Mercury Mitts (Women)
- Adjustable trekking poles – Black Diamond Alpine
Footwear:
- Mid-weight hiking boots – Salomon Quest (Women) or KEEN Targhee (Men)
- Camp trainers (Men) / Trekking sandals (Women)
- 4-5 Pairs of trekking socks – SmartWool or Bridgedale
- 1 Pair of warm/thick trekking socks
- Bags and Daypack (click for details)
- 80-90L Waterproof duffle bag – North Face Base Camp
- 20-30L Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
- Daypack raincover
- Travel bag organisers (optional)
Sleeping Accessories:
- 4-Season sleeping bag – Marmot Trestles or Hyke & Byke Unisex
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Inflatable pillow (optional)
General Accessories:
- Large volume water bottle or hydration bladder – Platypus Hydration Bladder for backpack
- Water Purification Tablets
- Baby wipes
- Sweat-resistant suncream
- Blister plasters
- Insect repellant
- General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
- Pee bottle (optional)
Technology:
- Camera
- GoPro (optional)
- Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
- Spare batteries and camera memory card
- Kindle with backlight (optional)
Other Bits and Bobs
- Energy bars
- Energy drink supplement
- Ziplock bags for important possessions (passport, money, phone, etc.)
- Trekking towel
- Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
- Passport, visa, insurance, yellow fever card (if applicable)
- Small lock for your duffle bag.
Important Information’s to know:
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Preparation for the Climb
Physical Preparation
Getting in shape for the Kilimanjaro climb is crucial. Engage in a well-rounded fitness program, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and hiking practice. Aim for at least three to six months of preparation:
- Cardio Training: Engage in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Gradually increase your duration and intensity.
- Strength Training: Focus on building strength in your legs, back, and core to ease the physical demands of the trek. Squats, lunges, and leg presses are beneficial.
- Hiking Practice: Go on regular hikes, both on flat and inclined terrains, to prepare your body for the conditions you will encounter on Kilimanjaro.
Mental Preparation
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Preparing mentally involves:
- Researching the Climb: Understand the route, what to expect in terms of altitude sickness, and the physical demands.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Know your limits and be prepared for the possibility of needing to descend if necessary.
- Practicing Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mental resilience, such as meditation or yoga, to prepare for the mental aspect of high-altitude trekking.
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We are honored to have been awarded multiple Travelers’ Choice Awards for being among the best tour operators in Tanzania. These accolades demonstrate our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for our guests and we are proud to be acknowledged as a leading tour company in the region. We look forward to taking you on one of our award-winning adventures.
