5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CLIMBING
(+ 2 days in a hotel)
Tour Overview
The 5 Days Marangu Route is one of the most popular and easiest ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the Coca-Cola Route, it gets this name because of the convenience it offers, with hut accommodations instead of camping, and its steady trail that makes it beginner-friendly. This route is perfect for climbers looking for a comfortable and less demanding Kilimanjaro experience. Unlike other routes, Marangu offers shared huts with beds, mattresses, and pillows. This means climbers do not need to carry a sleeping pad or tent, making the climb more convenient.
Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro vary greatly depending on the altitude. At the base, temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). As you ascend, the temperatures drop significantly, reaching below freezing at night near the summit. Climbers should prepare for temperatures as low as -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) at Uhuru Peak.
Itinerary summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
- Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
- Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
- Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
- Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
- Day 7: Depart Tanzania

Who Should Climb the 5 Days Marangu Route?
The 5 Days Marangu Route is ideal for first-time climbers or those seeking a less challenging climb. While the route is considered easier, it is still essential to be physically prepared and acclimatize properly to handle the altitude. Choose the 5 Days Marangu Route with Bush Lion Trekking and Tours for a comfortable and unforgettable Kilimanjaro climbing adventure!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work 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.
- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi
- Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
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.
- Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi
- Approx. time taken: 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
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.
- Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)
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.
- Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
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.
- Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi
- Approx. time taken: 8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Departure Tanzania
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Hotels check out is 11:00am. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee
PRICE FOR 5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CLIMBING
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
1 Person | 2 – 4 People | 5 – 6 People | 7 – 9 People | 10 & Above |
---|---|---|---|---|
$1,550 USD | $1,400 USD | $1,370 USD | $1,320 USD | $1,260 USD |
Included
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi (BB) Panama Garden Resort/Parkview inn hotel
- Pre-Climb Briefing And Orientation
- Park Fees And Permits
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate Park entry fees,
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Double layered Sleeping Mats 4 inches (10cm) thick
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- 4 Season Mountain Tents
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Safety Equipment (Like Oxygen Tanks, First Aid Kits, Etc.)
- Portable Flush Toilet with a toilet tent
- Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Travel Insurance (Medical, Evacuation, Trip Cancellation, Etc.)
- Personal Gear (Such As Hiking Boots, Clothing, Backpacks, Etc.)
- Tips For Guides, Porters, And Other Staff
- Additional Accommodation And Meals Before Or After The Climb
- Alcoholic Beverages And Other Personal Expenses
- Laundry (Available at hotel).
Payment Terms
Deposit Payment
- Deposit is $100 of the total booking amount.
- Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
- We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
- Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
- Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
- Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
- Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
- A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
- Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).
Cancellation Policy
8 days and above departure
- No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
- 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
- The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.
What They Say About Us
EXCELLENT Based on 61 reviews Hellen M2025-06-11Verified Amazing Lifetime Experience in Tanzania I had the most unforgettable adventure with the 8 days Lemosho Route climb and 4 days Tanzania wildlife safari. Everything was perfectly organized from the first day to the last.Our Kilimanjaro climb was incredible! The Lemosho Route was beautiful, quiet, and full of amazing views. The guides were very professional, friendly, and always made sure we were safe and happy. They checked our health every day and encouraged us until we reached the top! The porters and cook were also amazing – the food was tasty and gave us energy every day.After the climb, we went on a 4-day safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. We saw so many animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even a leopard! Our safari guide was very knowledgeable and knew the best spots for wildlife. The lodges and camping sites were clean, comfortable, and had great food.This trip was a dream come true. Thank you to the whole team for making it special. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy a real African safari! Brigita A2025-06-06Verified 7 Days Machame Route Experience We had a great time climbing Kilimanjaro via the 7 Days Machame Route. The guides were kind, helpful, and very professional. The food was delicious and we felt safe and supported the whole way. Every day was different and beautiful. Reaching the summit was the best feeling ever. I highly recommend this company for anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro. Omega R2025-05-22Verified Amazing 7 Days Machame Route Experience with Bush Lion Tours My 7-day Machame Route climb with Bush Lion Tours was absolutely amazing! From the beginning, everything was perfectly organized. Jackson helped us plan the trip and made sure we had all the details we needed. The guides were very professional, friendly, and patient. They made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the climb.The views along the route were breathtaking, and the support from the team made it possible to reach the summit. The food was delicious, and the porters worked so hard to ensure we had everything we needed. I felt supported every step of the way.I highly recommend Bush Lion Tours to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro. They provided excellent service and made our adventure unforgettable. Thank you, Jackson, and the entire team for such a great experience! Joseph K2025-05-21Verified 8Days Lemosho Route Changed My Life The 8 Days Lemosho Route was the best adventure of my life. The guides were kind, professional, and very supportive. The food was delicious, and the porters were amazing—always smiling and helpful. Every day brought new views and great memories. Reaching Uhuru Peak was a dream come true. I truly recommend this route for anyone who wants a safe and beautiful climb.Thank you, Bush Lion Trekking and Tours, for the incredible experience! Swabra O2025-04-25Verified Kilimanjaro & Safari magic We were a group of 4 friends and had the most amazing trip with this company! First, we did the 8 Days Lemosho Route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It was challenging, but so beautiful and well-organized. The guides and porters were friendly, patient, and always took care of us. Reaching the summit together was the best moment of our lives!After the climb, we went on a 5 Days Tanzania Safari and wow! We saw the Big Five, watched the sunset in the Serengeti, and enjoyed every minute. The lodges were clean and comfortable, and the food was delicious. Our safari guide made the trip even better with his knowledge and fun personality.Thank you so much for giving us memories that we’ll keep forever. We highly recommend this to anyone looking for a true African adventure! Hawa M2025-04-13Verified A safari to Remember Forever I had the most incredible experience on the Serengeti Migration Safari. From the moment the journey began, everything was thoughtfully arranged and professionally handled. The staff were warm, knowledgeable, and always attentive to our comfort and safety.The 4x4 safari vehicle was spacious, clean, and perfectly suited for game drives — with large windows and a pop-up roof that made animal viewing effortless and exciting. We were lucky to witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the plains, a truly breathtaking moment that I’ll never forget.Our guide was not only friendly but also deeply knowledgeable about wildlife behavior, the ecosystem, and the Great Migration. He shared fascinating insights that made the trip educational as well as inspiring.The accommodations were clean and comfortable, and the meals exceeded expectations — fresh, delicious, and served with genuine hospitality.This was more than just a trip; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connected me to nature in the most beautiful way. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Africa’s magic in a safe and professional setting. Tumpe K2025-04-10Verified A Journey of love and Altitude As a couple, climbing Kilimanjaro together was a personal dream, and Bush Lion Tours made that dream feel safe, exciting, and deeply meaningful. We took the 7-day Machame Route, and every single day brought us closer not just to the summit, but to each other. The trail challenged us in new ways, but the support from the team made it feel possible. Our guide was patient and kind, always checking on us and explaining what to expect each day. The gear provided; tents, sleeping bags, mats was clean, warm, and reliable, even on the coldest nights.What made the experience so special was the energy of the whole team. The porters, cook, and guides felt like family. They cheered us on, made us laugh, and even surprised us with a celebration song after reaching the summit. We’ll never forget sharing tea at Shira Camp under the stars, or watching the sunrise hand in hand at Uhuru Peak. It wasn’t just about climbing a mountain it was about sharing something powerful and emotional. Thank you, Bush Lion Tours, for making this journey the highlight of our lives. Magreth G2025-04-07Verified A Family Adventure to the Top of Kilimanjaro We traveled as a family with Bush Lion Tours on the Machame route, and it was an adventure we'll always cherish. Jackson and his team ensured that the climb was safe and enjoyable for everyone, including our kids. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely patient with us. They made sure we took breaks when needed and even shared stories about the mountain’s history. The whole experience exceeded our expectations, and we will forever be grateful for Jackson’s leadership and the amazing service. Janny G2025-04-06Verified Fantastic Lemosho Route Climb Bush Lion Tours made my Kilimanjaro dream come true! The Lemosho Route was quiet, scenic, and full of adventure. Great food, friendly porters, and expert guides. 10/10! Caroline S2025-04-02Verified Amazing Experience with Bush Lion Tours We had an incredible time with Bush Lion Tours! Jackson was very helpful from the start, and he organized everything perfectly for us. He made sure we had all the details in place, and his communication was always clear and fast.The whole experience, from the 7-day Machame route trek to the 4-day safari, was unforgettable. The team was so friendly and professional. They took care of everything, ensuring we were always safe, comfortable, and well-informed. The guides were amazing, always there to support us and share their knowledge. Thanks to them, we felt confident and enjoyed every moment of our adventure.We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours! Jackson and his team made this trip unforgettable, and we are so grateful for their excellent service. If you're looking for a well-organized and memorable trip, don’t hesitate to book with them!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more