Overview5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

Known as the Coca-Cola route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, But spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route

Day 1 :

From Hotel to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you will meet your guide and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour). After registering, commence the climb through the rainforest, where you can enjoy the impressive vegetation and catch glimpses of some primates on your way to Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kenyan interior.

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 :

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4–6 hours later, you will arrive at Horombo Hut, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 :

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and challenging. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water Point,” followed by the nearly vegetation-less “Saddle,” which connects the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. You will reach your destination, Kibo Hut, in about 5–6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal and prepare for a short night of rest before your summit attempt.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 :

Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, making your way to Gilman’s Point at 5681m, where you will catch the sunrise. Afterward, continue to Uhuru Peak at 5895m, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Following your descent back to Kibo Hut for a warm meal and a brief rest, you will continue your hike back down to Horombo Hut.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft (up) and then down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 4-5 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 :

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The last stage of your trek takes you through the heath and moor zone towards Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch awaits you. You will then continue through the tropical rainforest, completing a total of about 6 hours of trekking. Upon reaching the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m), you'll bid farewell to your mountain guides. A short transfer will take you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. Once there, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your incredible achievement of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1860m/6,100ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast