5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, marangu Route

$1,220

About this tour

The 5-day Marangu Route is the fastest and one of the most well-established paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” this trek offers a gradual ascent on a well-maintained trail, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking a shorter itinerary. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, Marangu features hut accommodations instead of tents, providing a warmer and more comfortable experience in wooden dormitory-style shelters. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, starting with the lush rainforest at Marangu Gate, transitioning to heath and moorland, and finally reaching the rugged alpine desert before summiting at Uhuru Peak.

Although the 5-day itinerary does not include an extra acclimatization day, it is ideal for experienced trekkers or those comfortable with rapid altitude gain. The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Crater, and the glaciers at the summit. The descent follows the same route, allowing you to enjoy familiar scenery from a different perspective. If you’re looking for a quick yet scenic way to reach Africa’s highest point, the 5-day Marangu Route is a fantastic option.

Best for

Adventure Lovers
Cultural interactions
Explorers
Honeymooners
Landscapes
Mountaineers

Highlight

PAX

Any group size

Accommodation

Camping

Tour Type

Private group tour

Transport

Minibus

Start

Arusha

End

Arusha

Minimum Age

15

What Makes This Trip Special?

Unlike other routes, you’ll stay in mountain huts with bunk beds, offering a warmer, drier, and more comfortable experience compared to tent camping.

The Marangu Route features a gentle ascent with a clearly defined path, making it one of the easier routes to navigate, ideal for beginners and those who prefer a steady climb.

The 5-day Marangu Route follows a direct and rapid climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), making it an excellent choice for experienced trekkers looking for a shorter itinerary.

Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu Route uses the same trail for ascent and descent, allowing you to retrace your journey and appreciate the landscapes from a new perspective.

Experience a stunning transformation in scenery, from dense rainforests teeming with wildlife to open moorlands, alpine deserts, and the icy glaciers at the summit.

Reaching the summit just as the sun rises over Africa is a breathtaking and unforgettable moment, with panoramic views stretching across Tanzania and beyond.

Best time

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Tour Map

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi/Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,870m) to Mandara Hut (2,720m)

  • Elevation: 1,870m to 2,720m
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Your adventure begins with a morning drive from Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,870m), the official starting point of your Kilimanjaro trek. After registering with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you’ll meet your guides, porters, and cook, who will accompany you throughout the journey. The trek starts in the lush rainforest, where towering trees, ferns, and a variety of monkeys and exotic birds create a lively atmosphere.

The gradual uphill trail is well-defined and easy to follow, making for a comfortable first day. As you ascend, keep an eye out for blue monkeys and colobus monkeys swinging in the trees. After 3–4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut (2,720m), a wooden dormitory-style shelter, where you’ll rest for the night. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk to the Maundi Crater, which offers spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak and the distant Kenyan plains. Enjoy a warm dinner before getting some rest for the next day’s hike.

  • Meals: Full Board

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,720m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)

  • Elevation: 2,720m to 3,720m
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
  • Habitat: Heath and moorland

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave behind the dense rainforest and transition into the heath and moorland zone. The trail gradually ascends, offering stunning views of Mawenzi Peak (5,149m), Kilimanjaro’s second-highest summit. The vegetation shifts to giant heather and unique plants like lobelias and giant groundsels, which thrive in the high-altitude environment.

The hike to Horombo Hut (3,720m) takes about 5–6 hours, covering approximately 11 km (6.8 miles). As you gain altitude, you may begin to feel the effects of the thinner air. Upon arrival at Horombo Hut, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The hut is larger than Mandara, accommodating more climbers and offering dining and resting areas. After a hearty meal, you can relax and prepare for the next day’s challenging ascent.

  • Meals: Full Board

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)

  • Elevation: 3,720m to 4,703m
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

Today’s trek is longer and more demanding as you ascend into the alpine desert zone, where the landscape becomes barren with rocky terrain and little vegetation. You’ll pass the famous “Last Water Point” before heading towards the Saddle, a vast, open stretch of land that connects Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This area is dry, windy, and exposed to harsh mountain conditions, so proper layering and hydration are essential.

After approximately 6–7 hours of trekking, covering 10 km (6.2 miles), you will reach Kibo Hut (4,703m). This is your final stop before the summit push. The oxygen levels are lower here, and you may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. An early dinner is served, and climbers are encouraged to rest as much as possible, as the summit attempt begins shortly after midnight.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,703m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)

  • Elevation: 4,703m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,720m
  • Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (6–8 hours to summit, 4–6 hours descent)
  • Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
  • Habitat: Arctic to alpine desert to moorland

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek. Your summit push begins around midnight as you embark on a steep, slow climb in complete darkness, using headlamps to navigate the rocky path. The air is thin and freezing, making each step more difficult. Your guide will encourage a slow but steady pace, following the famous “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) technique to conserve energy.

After 5–6 hours of relentless ascent, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, where the first light of dawn paints the sky with magnificent hues. From here, another 1–2 hours of trekking leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa! Standing on the “Roof of Africa”, you’ll witness breathtaking glaciers, endless horizons, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch before continuing to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the night. The descent is physically demanding on the knees, but the increased oxygen levels make it more comfortable. Expect to spend 10–14 hours trekking in total today.

  • Meals: Fullboard

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,870m) – Moshi/Arusha

  • Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Distance: 20 km / 12.4 miles
  • Habitat: Heath and rainforest

Your final day on the mountain starts with a long descent through the heath and moorland, eventually leading back into the rainforest. The hike to Marangu Gate (1,870m) takes around 6–7 hours, covering approximately 20 km (12.4 miles). As you descend, the air becomes warmer and richer in oxygen, making breathing easier.

At Marangu Gate, you’ll sign out with the park authorities and receive your summit certificate – a Green Certificate for reaching Gilman’s Point or a Gold Certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can celebrate your incredible achievement with a warm shower, a hearty meal, and well-deserved rest!

  • Meals: Fullboard

End of this tour

Tour Price

1 Person

2 people

3 people

4 people

5 people

6 people

7 people

$1,580

$1,260

$1,250

$1,240

$1,230

$1,220

$1,220

8 People

9 – 19 People

$1,220

$1,210

Included

2 nights’ accommodation

Professional, experienced, mountain;

All Park fees and Rescue fees

All meals while on the Mountain

Arrival and Departure transfers

Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Fair and ethical treatment of porters

Excluded

Tanzania Visa

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc)

Optional Tours

Tips and any items of personal nature

International and Local Flights

Yellow fever vaccinations

General tour information

  • Travelers to Tanzania are required to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. You can apply online through the Tanzania eVisa portal or get a visa at designated entry points, including airports and border crossings.
  • Single-entry visa: $50 (most nationalities)
  • US citizens: $100 for a multiple-entry visa
  • Visa on arrival: Available but may involve long queues
  • Passport validity: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry
  • Yellow fever vaccination: Required if traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission
  • For the latest visa regulations, check with the Tanzania
  • Immigration Services website or your local Tanzanian embassy.

  • To secure your spot on the Machame Route trek, we recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–October and December–March).
  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.
  • Final payment: Due at least 30 days before arrival.
    Group & private treks: Available upon request.
  • Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a detailed itinerary, packing list, and travel tips to help you prepare for the climb.

  • We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
  • More than 60 days before departure: Full refund minus the deposit.
    30–59 days before departure: 50% refund.
  • Less than 30 days before departure: No refund.
  • No-show or early departure: No refund.
  • We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and trekking activities.

  • Accommodation during the Machame Route trek consists of mountain camping in high-quality, all-weather tents.
  • Before & after the trek: Comfortable lodges/hotels in Arusha or Moshi.
  • During the trek: Tents are set up at designated campsites along the route.
  • Sleeping arrangements: Twin-shared tents with sleeping mats provided.
  • Lodges and hotels in Moshi/Arusha can fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your pre- and post-trek accommodations in advance.

  • Best time to trek: Dry seasons (June–October & December–March) offer the best conditions.
  • Altitude sickness: The Machame Route allows for good acclimatization, but climbers should be aware of AMS symptoms.
  • Porters & guides: Our treks include experienced guides, porters, and cooks to support you throughout the climb.
  • Tipping guidelines: Recommended tip per climber is $200–$300, distributed among guides, porters, and cooks.
  • For any further inquiries or special requests, feel free to contact us. We look forward to guiding you to the Roof of Africa!

  • International Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest airport to Moshi, about 45 minutes away.
  • Alternative Airports:
    1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam
    2. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar
    3. From these airports, you can take a domestic flight to JRO with Air Tanzania, Precision Air, or Coastal Aviation.

Important Requirments

  • International flights: Check baggage allowance with your airline.
  • Domestic flights: Usually allow 15kg (33 lbs) of luggage, including carry-on.
  • Trekking gear:Porters will carry a duffel bag (max 15kg/33 lbs).
  • You can store extra luggage at your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
  • A daypack (5–7kg/11–15 lbs) is recommended for essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
  • Physical Preparation: The Machame Route is a strenuous trek, and we recommend training 2–3 months in advance with:Cardio workouts (running, cycling, swimming)
  • Strength training (leg and core exercises)
  • Hiking practice (with a weighted backpack)
  • Altitude Sickness: The route offers good acclimatization, but symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness can still occur.Prevention: Drink plenty of water, ascend slowly, and consider taking Diamox (acetazolamide) with a doctor’s approval.

Tanzania’s weather varies based on the season and altitude.

Best time to trek:

  • Dry seasons: June–October & December–March (clear skies, less rain)
  • Wet seasons: April–May & November (more challenging but fewer crowds)

Temperature variations:

  • Moshi (base town): 25–30°C (77–86°F)
  • Machame Camp (first campsite): 10–15°C (50–59°F)
  • Summit (Uhuru Peak): -7 to -20°C (19 to -4°F)

Expect warm temperatures at lower altitudes and freezing conditions at the summit.

Essential Gear

  • Hiking Boots: Waterproof, well-broken-in boots with ankle support
  • Backpack: 30–40L daypack for daily essentials
  • Duffel Bag: 90L waterproof bag for porters to carry

Clothing (Layering System)

  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermal shirts & leggings
  • Insulation Layer: Fleece or down jacket for warmth
  • Outer Shell: Waterproof & windproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking Pants: Convertible or softshell trekking pants
  • Gloves & Hat: Insulated gloves, balaclava, and beanie

Sleeping & Accessories

  • Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F)
  • Trekking Poles: Adjustable poles for stability
  • Headlamp: With extra batteries for summit night
  • Water Bottles & Hydration Pack: At least 3L capacity
  • Sunglasses & Sunscreen: High-altitude UV protection

For a detailed packing list, we will provide a comprehensive checklist upon booking.

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