5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

From $ 1,670 pp

Duration: 5 Days

Tour Type: Hiking

Trip Overview

The 5-day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is often called the “Coca-Cola Route” and is one of the most popular and well-established paths to the summit. Over five days, trekkers experience a steady, gradual ascent through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and the high-altitude alpine desert. Its moderate pace makes it accessible for many climbers while still providing the thrill of reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. The route also features comfortable hut accommodations along the way, offering a cozy resting place after each day’s trek.

With the support of experienced guides and dedicated porters, the Marangu Route provides a safe, organized, and rewarding adventure. Along the trek, climbers enjoy stunning scenery, encounter unique wildlife, and experience the excitement of standing atop Kilimanjaro. This route is ideal for travelers seeking a combination of adventure, comfort, and the unforgettable achievement of summiting Africa’s highest mountain.

Gentle Gradual Ascent: The Marangu Route offers a steady climb, helping climbers acclimatize effectively for a higher summit success rate.

Diverse Landscapes: Pass through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert, witnessing Kilimanjaro’s dramatic ecological zones.

Summit Achievement: Celebrate reaching Uhuru Peak and experience the sunrise above the clouds, a truly unforgettable moment.

Hut Accommodation: Enjoy cozy overnight huts, a unique feature that sets Marangu apart from other camping routes.

Itinerary In Details

Day 1 : Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

  • Elevation: 1860m to 2700m
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 : Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, 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 to 3700m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Heath and Moorland
Day 3 : Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

  • Elevation: 3700m to 4700m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4 : Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and down to Horombo Hut

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

  • Elevation: 4700m to 5895m (ascent) and then down to 3700m (descent)
  • Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
  • Distance: 22 km (6 km ascent, 16 km descent)
  • Difficulty: Very Difficult
  • Habitat: Arctic (Summit Zone)
Day 5 : Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

  • Elevation: 3700m to 1860m
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 20 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Heath and Moorland, then Rainforest

Includes

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel

Excludes

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance

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Customer Reviews

What our customers say

At Sweet Memory Adventure, we are honored to receive wonderful feedback from our guests, with many praising our exceptional service, unforgettable experiences, and dedication to creating memorable journeys.

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Zoe
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Great first Safari experience!! We did 3 different game drives and saw every animal in abundance except for a lion-- although we did see vultures but couldn't pin point it. Moses was super helpful in communicating all of the prices and plans in advance and our guide, Hassan, was amazing. It was sad leaving him at the end of the trip but we will for sure stay in contact. The lodging both inside the camp and the nicer one outside for the 2nd night were both nice. All of the food was so so good and visiting the Maasai village on the 2nd day was a huge highlight of our trip. 100% would recommend to anyone.
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Artix
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Unforgettable Adventure! We had an amazing four-day safari in Mikumi and Selous with unforgettable memories. The start was great, the communication was easy and Moses was very flexible to our needs. From the first moment Zack was the perfect guide with an impressive knowledge about animals, their behaviour and the ecosystem. He knows the huge biodiversity of Tanzania very well and identifies animals easily by voices and tracks. It was a breathtaking feeling to see elephants close enough to touch. Besides nature and wildlife, Zack takes us on a journey through the impressive culture and daily life of people in Tanzania. We are very thankful. Zack was not just a top tour guide but also a very kind and friendly company. Moreover, accommodations were wonderful and the food was really good. It was an adventure of a lifetime. Next safari is safe! We are very thankful and highly recommend Sweet Memory Adventure. Asante sana!
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Kristina K
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6stars experience 3days 2nights Safari at Mikumi NP with our super friendly and profesional guide/driver Nico was over our expectations!!! We saw hundreds of animals, we saw them really all🦓🐘🦛🦒🦁🐊🦌🐃 Highly recommend this company! Thank you Moses for organizing all this for us 🙏 and as you don't need much staff to bring with you please fill your luggage with some toys, pencils,exercise books, dresses. Local kids will fill your heart with the gratitude 💝💝💝
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Bonnie
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Explendid adventure for the whole family! Had the most exciting trip with Sweet Memories Adventures with my family and enjoyed the holidays to the maximum.Keep up with the good work guys👌
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Joshkom K
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Personally I should admit by saying that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures. The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience
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Nisbett
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Excellent Hospitality I must say that i was extremely satisfied with Sweet Memories Adventures. The owner is courteous and very very helpful from the beginning organizing our trip to Tanzania, always available. Professional, organized, simply superb. I highly recommend it. Sweet memories Adventures will make your dreams come true. thanks for the awesome unforgettable experience

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