5 Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Trip Overview

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is Kilimanjaro’s only route with hut accommodations, providing a comfortable trekking experience through beautiful forests, moorlands, and alpine desert before reaching the summit. Ideal for beginner climbers, the Marangu Route’s gradual slope allows climbers to acclimate as they journey to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, Africa’s highest point. This five-day adventure offers stunning scenery, a chance to observe diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable sense of achievement upon reaching the summit.

Attractions to Expplore

Day by Day Program

KIA

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport

After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up by a Kiwonu Africa Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Later on, you will enjoy dinner with your group before being briefed on the trek followed by an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. We can organize the rental of any missing equipment should it be needed.

Day 1: Arusha to Marangu Gate – Hike to Mandara Hut

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 1,860 m (6,102 ft) to 2,700 m (8,858 ft)
After breakfast in Arusha, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and a pre-hike briefing. Trek through lush montane forest, where you might spot black-and-white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation: 2,700 m (8,858 ft) to 3,720 m (12,204 ft)
Leaving the forest behind, continue through the scenic moorland with views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The gradual ascent allows for acclimatization. Arrive at Horombo Hut for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,204 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
Trek through the alpine desert, with its lunar landscape, towards Kibo Hut. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Down to Horombo Hut

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) to the summit; 15 km (9.3 miles) descent to Horombo
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to the summit; 5-6 hours descent to Horombo
Elevation: 4,703 m (15,430 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft), then down to 3,720 m (12,204 ft)
Begin your final ascent around midnight. Climb toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,204 ft) to 1,860 m (6,102 ft)
Complete your descent through the montane forest to Marangu Gate. After certificate presentations, you’ll be driven back to Arusha, where your adventure concludes.

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