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5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek
Kilimanjaro

5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek

The 5 Days Marangu Route offers 5 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro via the classic 'Coca-Cola Route'. Starting at Marangu Gate (1,870 m), you ascend through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut, continu...

Duration5 Days
DifficultyModerate
Group size1 – 12
Summit5,895 m
USD 1,790 per person
At a glance

Trip Overview

Duration 5 Days
Difficulty Moderate
Group size 1 – 12
Summit 5,895 m
Trip overview

What to Expect

The 5 Days Marangu Route offers 5 full days of trekking up Kilimanjaro via the classic 'Coca-Cola Route'. Starting at Marangu Gate (1,870 m), you ascend through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut, continue across the vast moorland to Horombo Hut, climb through alpine desert to Kibo Hut, and make the final summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The Marangu Route is the only path on Kilimanjaro with comfortable hut accommodation — no tent camping required.

Why this journey

Trip Highlights

The classic 'Coca-Cola Route' — the most established path on Kilimanjaro
Sleep in comfortable mountain huts (no tent camping)
Full rainforest trek from Marangu Gate (1,870 m)
Sunrise at Gilman's Point on the crater rim
Summit via the normal route to Uhuru Peak
~75% summit success rate with expert guidance
6 trekking days

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1 Day

Welcome to Tanzania – Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check before your trek begins.

Altitude890 m / 2,920 ft
HikingNone
StayPark View Inn, Moshi (or similar)
MealsD
  • Airport welcome service Kilimanjaro trip briefing Professional gear check Moshi town atmosphere Relax before trekking
What you'll do: Meet your mountain team for a complete trek briefing, review your equipment, ask questions, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.
What's included today: Airport transfer, hotel accommodation, dinner, pre-climb briefing, professional guide consultation, and equipment inspection.
Good to know: This is a rest day — not counted in your 5 trekking days. Ensure all hiking gear is ready and get plenty of rest. Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins tomorrow.
2 Day

Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut

Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure through lush, misty rainforest alive with bird calls and the chatter of black-and-white colobus monkeys. The well-maintained trail from Marangu Gate climbs steadily through the forest zone, crossing small streams and passing giant ferns. The hut is nestled in a forest clearing, with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest canopy.

Altitude1,870 m → 2,700 m
Distance8 km / 5 mi
Hiking4 – 5 h
StayMandara Hut (dormitory)
MealsB / L / D
  • Rainforest trek from Marangu Gate Colobus monkey sightings Well-maintained forest trail Mandara Hut comfort
What you'll do: Hike through the lush rainforest zone at 'pole pole' pace for 4–5 hours, settling into your first mountain hut accommodation.
What's included today: Park fees, mountain crew support, all meals at the hut, hut accommodation, drinking water, professional guides.
Good to know: Marangu is the only route with hut accommodation — no tents needed! Mandara Hut has dormitory beds, solar lighting, and basic washing facilities.
3 Day

Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut

Leave the rainforest behind as the trail opens into alpine moorland with giant heather and groundsel plants. The landscape transitions dramatically as you climb higher, with ever-expanding views of Kibo Peak and the summit of Mawenzi Peak behind you. The trail passes through the 'Garden of the Senecios' — a surreal landscape of giant lobelias and groundsel.

Altitude2,700 m → 3,720 m
Distance12 km / 7.5 mi
Hiking6 – 8 h
StayHorombo Hut (dormitory)
MealsB / L / D
  • Alpine moorland zone Giant lobelias and senecios First clear Kibo summit views Mawenzi Peak panorama
What you'll do: 6 – 8 hours of trekking through the moorland zone with spectacular mountain views.
What's included today: Stay at Horombo Hut (dormitory) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Horombo Hut is the largest hut on the mountain with common rooms, dining tables, and spectacular sunrise views of Mawenzi Peak.
4 Day

Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut

Today you cross the 'Saddle' — a vast, moon-like expanse between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The vegetation thins to almost nothing as you enter the alpine desert zone, walking on volcanic scree and lava ridges. Kibo Hut sits at the base of the final cone, a stark and functional base camp for the summit push.

Altitude3,720 m → 4,703 m
Distance10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking6 – 8 h
StayKibo Hut (dormitory)
MealsB / L / D
  • The vast Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Alpine desert zone Volcanic landscape Summit base camp arrival
What you'll do: 6 – 8 hours of trekking across the Saddle. This is the highest camp — rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
What's included today: Stay at Kibo Hut (dormitory) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Kibo Hut is basic — no frills, just beds and a warm dining room. Your guide will brief you on summit procedures. Try to sleep by 6 PM.
5 Day

Summit Day — Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut

Wake at 11 PM for tea and biscuits, then step into the darkness by midnight. Six hours of slow switchbacks up the scree slope to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim for sunrise, then walk along the rim to Stella Point and finally Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa at 5,895 m. Celebrate briefly before the long descent back to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.

Altitude4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m
Distance16 km / 10 mi
Hiking12 – 14 h
StayHorombo Hut (dormitory)
MealsB / L / D
  • Midnight summit push by starlight Sunrise at Gilman's Point (5,681 m) Crater rim walk to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) Descent to Horombo Hut
What you'll do: 12 – 14 hours — summit push by starlight, celebrate at Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Hut for the night.
What's included today: Stay at Horombo Hut (dormitory) · Meals: B / L / D
Good to know: Dress in all your warm layers — summit night temperatures fall to −20 °C with windchill. Carry your camera inside your jacket. The descent is long but rewarding.
6 Day

Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Moshi (Overnight)

A long but gentle descent through moorland and rainforest, retracing your steps through the Garden of the Senecios and the forest zone. At Marangu Gate, you complete park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your vehicle meets you for the drive back to Moshi, where a hot shower and a comfortable bed await.

Altitude3,720 m → 1,870 m → 890 m
Distance18 km / 11.2 mi
Hiking5 – 7 h
StayPark View Inn (or similar), Moshi
MealsB / L
  • Final descent through moorland and rainforest Summit certificate ceremony Hot shower & celebration in Moshi Comfortable hotel overnight
What you'll do: 5 – 7 hours of descent through the changing scenery, certificate presentation, and transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower.
What's included today: Park fees, guide support, lunch, hotel accommodation in Moshi (B&B), and farewell dinner.
Good to know: Unlike some operators who schedule same-day departure, we include a hotel night after the trek so you can rest properly. Departure transfers can be arranged for the next morning or later the same evening on request.
What's covered

Included & Excluded

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and a clear view of what to arrange yourself.

What's included

  • 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on B&B (1 before + 1 after the trek)
  • Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
  • Kilimanjaro Park entrance, camping & rescue fees
  • Hut accommodation on the mountain (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
  • Professional KINAPA-licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cooks & porters
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily + filtered drinking water
  • Hot water for washing at huts
  • Fair wages for mountain crew per KINAPA & KIATO regulations
  • Portable oxygen cylinders & pulse oximeter for daily health checks
  • Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • Mountain communication radio & emergency protocols
  • All government taxes & VAT (18%)

Not included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa (USD 50 on arrival)
  • Travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking above 4,000 m)
  • Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 300–350 per climber)
  • Personal climbing gear (rentable in Moshi)
  • Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
  • Laundry services at the hotel

Prices for this route

Route name 1 Person 2-4 People 5-7 People 8-10 People 810+ & Above
5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek 1,790/Person 1,650/Person 1,550/Person 1,500/Person Contact us
For 810+ guests, contact us for a custom group quote with special discounts.
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Pack smart

Packing list

A category-by-category checklist tailored to this journey. Items marked essential should not be skipped — rentals are available in Moshi and Arusha.

Clothing & Layers

  • 3× moisture-wicking base layer tops
  • 2× thermal base layer bottoms
  • Fleece or soft-shell mid layer
  • Insulated down jacket (summit night)
  • Waterproof + windproof hard-shell jacket and trousers
  • Trekking trousers (2 pairs) + shorts
  • Warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter
  • Liner gloves + insulated waterproof gloves
  • 4× hiking socks, 1× thermal socks for summit

Daypack & Summit Kit

  • 20–30 L daypack with rain cover
  • 2–3 L water bladder or two 1 L bottles
  • Sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses (UV 400)
  • Personal first aid kit: blister kit, paracetamol, rehydration salts
  • Quick-dry towel, hand sanitiser, wet wipes
  • Camera + spare batteries, power bank
  • Headlamp + spare batteries (essential for summit)
  • Trekking poles (collapsible)
  • Thermos for hot drinks on summit night
  • Hand and toe warmers

Footwear & Sleeping

  • Waterproof hiking boots, broken in
  • Camp shoes / trainers
  • Gaiters (recommended)
  • 4-season sleeping bag (-15 °C comfort rating)
  • Inflatable pillow

Documents & Money

  • Passport (6+ months validity) and visa
  • Travel insurance documents (printed + digital)
  • Vaccination certificate if applicable
  • Credit card + USD cash in small notes (post-2009, no rips)
  • Emergency contacts and trip voucher
Before you book

Important information

Practical details every traveller should read before confirming. We'll cover everything again in your pre-departure pack.

Visa & Entry

Most nationalities need a Tanzanian tourist visa (USD 50, or USD 100 for US passports). You can apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is mandatory. For Kilimanjaro and high-altitude treks the policy must explicitly cover trekking above 4,000 m and helicopter rescue.

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever country. Anti-malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Payment & Deposits

A 30% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 45 days before arrival. We accept bank transfer and card (3% fee). Free rescheduling up to 30 days before departure.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and an important part of crew income. Guidelines are shared in your pre-trip pack — typically USD 300–350 total per climber for a Kilimanjaro crew.

Group Size & Privacy

This trip runs in groups of 1 – 12. Private departures with your own guide and vehicle are available year-round on request — ask us for a custom quote.

Altitude & Fitness

You'll sleep above 4,000 m and summit at 5,895 m. No technical climbing skills are needed, but you should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. We do daily pulse-oximeter checks and carry emergency oxygen.

KPAP-Registered Operator

We follow Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) standards: fair wages, three meals a day for porters, proper gear, and a 20 kg load limit. Your booking directly supports ethical mountain employment.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your climb. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

You should be able to walk 5–7 hours per day on consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are required, but good cardiovascular fitness and mental determination are essential. We recommend starting a fitness programme at least 8 weeks before your trek.
Success rates vary by route and duration. Longer itineraries (7–9 days) have higher success rates (85–95%) because they allow better acclimatisation. Our expert guides use proven strategies to maximise your chances.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. They monitor your health daily. If symptoms become severe, immediate descent is arranged. Helicopter evacuation is available for emergencies (covered by your mandatory travel insurance).
Accommodation depends on the route. Marangu Route uses mountain huts (dormitory beds). All other routes use high-quality 4-season tents with 10 cm foam mattresses. Mess tents with tables and chairs are provided for meals.
The best months are January–March and June–October. These are the driest periods with the clearest views. The wettest months are April–May and November–December, though climbing is still possible.
No. Our porters carry your main luggage (up to 15 kg) between camps. You only carry a small daypack with water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and personal items.
Our cooks prepare three fresh meals daily: breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast, fruit), lunch (soup, main course, snacks), and dinner (main course, vegetables, dessert). Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) are accommodated with advance notice.
Limited. Signal is available at some lower camps but disappears above 4,000 m. Our guides carry satellite communication radios for emergencies. We recommend downloading offline maps and informing family of limited contact.
Get in Touch

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24/7 Support Personal travel consultant assigned
or contact us directly
+255 783 884 129
+255 783 884 129
info@bushliontours.com

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5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek

5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Trek

Price Calculator

Price per person $1,790
Number of travelers × 1
Total Price $1,790
Deposit to confirm (20%) $358

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