5 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Marangu Route
Overview
The Marangu route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola route,” stands out as the most economical path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. It offers unique comforts such as sleeping huts at each campsite equipped with solar lights and cozy beds. These communal huts house 60 beds at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 at Horombo Hut. Basic amenities like bathrooms and running water are available at the lower huts, while the upper camp provides basic latrines. Climbing groups from various nations gather in dining huts, fostering a lively atmosphere. Typically a 5-day ascent (the shortest route to the summit), it can extend to 6 days for optimal acclimatization, with options to rest at Horombo or ascend Mawenzi peak.
Tour Plan
If you have opted for optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Today, we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Please plan to arrive at least one day before the trek starts. During the briefing, we will review your equipment and arrange for any rentals needed.
After breakfast and the briefing, we will drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, we will register and begin the ascent. The trail leads through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. Consider a side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Look out for towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Leaving the rainforest, we ascend through open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Look for giant lobelias and groundsel plants. You may start feeling the effects of altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today's trek takes us past the last water point, onto the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Vegetation gives way to an alpine desert landscape. Prepare for the summit climb with dinner and rest at Kibo Hut.
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
Begin the ascent in the early morning (midnight to 2 am). Climb steep scree or snow to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking views. Descend to Kibo Hut for lunch, then continue to the Horombo encampment.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft, then down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up, 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up, 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After breakfast, descend through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue through lush forest to the Marangu gate. At lower elevations, expect wet and muddy conditions. Use gaiters and trekking poles as needed. A vehicle will be waiting at Marangu gate to return you to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Included/Exclude
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Quality Mess tents with table 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
- Tanzania Visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary