5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CLIMBING
(+ 2 days in a hotel)
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!
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 49 reviews Farzaneh R2025-02-08Verified Safari and climbing mount Kilimanjaro I must say that every thing was great. We climbed mount Kilimanjaro and had a two days Safari. The food was great during climbing and team members specially main guides, Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were so friendly and kind. Also we were in touch with Jacson all the time and he handled our requests even helped us rearranging some of our plans. I am so greatful for having such a great experience with this amazing team. 宇威 顾2025-02-04Verified Mount adventure I was soloing going to Tanzania for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, I contacted with Jackson, he showed every details for the route and pricing, it is all clear. And the whole team is great during the climbing period. Thanks a lot for making a n amazing adventure, I successfully get to the summit with the team. Masoud Farahbakhsh2025-02-03Verified great experience We climbed Kilimanjaro from Marangu route with this company. I am a mountain guide in Iran and I should say Jackson, Janeth and the team worked very hard and well for us. Good services, friendly porters, delicious food suitable for the altitude, leaders Mohammad, Yahya and Luma were inspiring and everything was good. I recommend working with this company and for the next time i cooperate again with Bush lion tours. Rossella G2025-01-30Verified Amazing 8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek – Highly Recommended! The team was absolutely fantastic! The cook prepared different, delicious, and well-balanced meals every day. One team member was always ready with a hot drink in the tent, and everyone was incredibly friendly, smiling, and always helpful.We were provided with everything needed—nothing was missing. The gear check was very professional, ensuring we had the right equipment for the trek. The organization was impeccable, from landing to departure.Highly recommended! flora w2025-01-12Verified excellent experience Me and my 13 years old boy went to 4 Days Safari Tour with Bush Lion team, we got very excellent experience. The itinerary was well arranged and not stressful, the hotel accommodation was also very comfortable. the most important is we got a very professional guide, he was very experienced and polote, he took us to find a lot of animals and also showed us the beautiful Africa view. it was wonderful trip for us, thank you so much ! flora w2025-01-12Verified excellent experience Me and my 13 years old boy went to the Kilimanjaro Trek with Bush Lion team. From boss to the employees, everyone is very professional and caring. They have a real and perfect price. Careful communication and constant reminders before the trip; Long wait at the airport in the middle of the night. During the trek, they have professional tour guys, porters and chefs, they provided us with adequate protection and support. Without their help, we cannot summit on the 1/1/25.Standing on the top of Mountain Kilimanjaro on the first day of the new year and looking at the glaciers on the equator is a sacred thing for us, thank you so much for all your help ! Bennett R2024-12-10Verified A Life-Changing Kilimanjaro Trek on the Lemosho Route We had an incredible time trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route in Tanzania. I highly recommend this route as it offers the best chances of reaching the summit and provides amazing views throughout the hike.The guides and porters were professional, friendly, and very experienced. They took great care of us, ensuring we were always comfortable, well-fed, and in good health.Along the way, we learned a lot from the team including some Swahili phrases and local songs. They made the entire journey fun and memorable.The summit night was challenging, especially with the darkness and cold temperatures, but we both made it to the top. This success was made possible by our amazing crew.A big thank you to Senior Guide Elisafi and the entire team for making this experience unforgettable! Manuela J2024-11-24Verified Amazing Safari & Relaxation We booked a safari through Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, finishing with a relaxing stay in Zanzibar. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, we met our driver, John, who made the whole experience unforgettable.John is an incredible person with a true love for nature and culture. He made us feel like we were traveling together as a team, always going the extra mile to make our dream trip come true. The communication with Bush Lion Tours was excellent, ensuring everything ran smoothly.If you want a perfect, fully organised trip with a friendly, enthusiastic guide, ask for John! This is a trip we will never forget. Paisley N2024-11-18Verified Highly Recommend Bush Lion for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro using the 7-day Machame route. I contacted many top agencies, but Bush Lion, owned by Jackson, gave me the best price and was super responsive.Before the climb, Jackson and my guide Innocent met me at my hotel. They checked my gear and gave me a full briefing on what to expect. Innocent, along with the cook and the porters, played a huge role in helping me get to the top of Uhuru Peak and back safely. Every day, I had delicious meals, and Innocent always made sure to check my health and oxygen levels before bed.The porters went above and beyond. After setting up camp, they would walk back hours to carry my small bag while I was still on the trail. When I was coming down from the peak, they even climbed up to greet me with fresh juice and helped carry me for the last part of the descent because my knees were hurting.I’m really grateful for all their support. Their main goal is to make sure clients reach the summit safely and successfully. Léontine S2024-11-09Verified An Unforgettable 4-Day Safari in Tanzania We went on a 4-day safari in October 2024, visiting some of Tanzania's most famous parks like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National. The safari was perfectly organized by Bush Lion Tours, and they made sure everything was exactly as we wanted.Every part of the safari exceeded our expectations, from the knowledgeable guides to the excellent lodges we stayed in. The service was outstanding, and we felt well taken care of throughout the trip.We highly recommend Bush Lion Tours for anyone looking to experience a truly amazing safari in Tanzania. They made our trip unforgettable!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