5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb - Bush Lion Tours

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5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb

5 Days

Tour Overview

The 5 Days Marangu Route is the most popular and comfortable way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” this route is the only one on the mountain that offers accommodation in mountain huts instead of tents. The journey starts on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro and takes you through beautiful rainforest, open moorland, and alpine desert landscapes before reaching the summit.

The 5 Days Marangu Route is ideal for trekkers who prefer a shorter climb with fixed sleeping huts and well-maintained trails. Although it is a faster route, experienced guides and a steady pace help maximize your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. This route offers a unique combination of comfort, scenic beauty, and achievement, making it a great choice for first-time climbers looking for a classic Kilimanjaro experience.

Trip Highlights

  • Hut Accommodation Comfort : Sleep in warm mountain huts with beds, mattresses, and dining shelters for extra comfort.
  • Beautiful Rainforest Trail: Walk through lush green forests filled with wildlife, birds, and fresh mountain air.
  • Easy-to-Follow Trail: Well-marked and gentle paths make the 5 Days Marangu Route beginner-friendly.
  • Scenic Moorland Views: Enjoy wide open landscapes and stunning views as you climb higher each day.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak: Stand on the roof of Africa and celebrate your success at 5,895 meters above sea level.

Trip Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Later in the day, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a full briefing about your 5 Days Marangu Route climb. During this meeting, your guide will explain the route, safety procedures, and daily trekking plan. A complete equipment check will be carried out to ensure you have all the required mountain gear. Any missing equipment can be rented in Moshi on this day.

Meals: No meals included
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Moshi to Marangu Gate, located on the eastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing park registration and meeting your mountain crew, the trek begins through lush tropical rainforest. This section of the 5 Days Marangu Route is rich in wildlife, with chances to spot blue monkeys and colorful birdlife. The trail is gentle and well maintained, making it a perfect introduction to the climb. After 4–6 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mandara Hut, where you will enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain.

Elevation Gain: 840m
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day starts with an early breakfast before continuing uphill. Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you pass the forest line and enter the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up, offering wide views and fresh mountain air. After a steady climb, Horombo Hut comes into view, set beneath the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. From here, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s main summits and the vast plains below. This day plays an important role in acclimatization on the 5 Days Marangu Route.

Distance: 12.5 km / 7.8 miles
Time: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s trek is longer and more challenging as you cross the alpine desert zone. The trail passes the “Last Water Point” before entering the Saddle, a wide, barren plateau connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Vegetation is almost nonexistent, and the altitude becomes more noticeable. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you reach Kibo Hut. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the summit attempt. Sleep is short, as you will wake around midnight for the final ascent.

Distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 miles
Time: ~6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the 5 Days Marangu Route. Around midnight, you begin the summit ascent under the stars. The trail is steep and slow, passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220m. At sunrise, you reach Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, where incredible views unfold. After a short rest, you continue for 1–2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and warm meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.

Distance: 22 km / 13.7 miles
Time: 12–15 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you begin your final descent through moorland and lush rainforest. The trail passes Mandara Hut, where you stop for lunch, before continuing down to Marangu Gate. At the gate, you complete park formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro certificates. You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi, where a hot shower and well-earned rest await.

Distance: 20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Time: ~6–8 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This day is free for relaxation after your climb. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore Moshi town, buy souvenirs, or simply rest before your transfer to the airport. Optional extensions such as safari adventures or Zanzibar beach holidays can be arranged upon request.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Includes

  • 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
  • Flights to/from Tanzania
  • 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).
Group Discount Available
From $1450
/ Adult
  • Unbeatable Value Assurance - ( Discover extraordinary adventures )
  • Effortless Reservation Process - ( No booking hassles )
  • Transparent Pricing, Zero Surprises - ( No hidden costs )
  • Expertise Beyond Measure - ( Team of seasoned experts )
  • Your Joy, Our Priority - ( Happiness Commitment )
5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb