5 Days Marangu Route | Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the classic 5 Days Marangu Route trekking adventure, perfect for climbers seeking comfort and a direct path to Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu offers hut accommodations instead of tents, making it ideal for those who prefer more convenience while tackling the mountain.
Starting at the lush rainforest foothills, you’ll ascend through moorlands and alpine desert, reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the African plains. Guided by Rock to Bush Adventures’ professional mountain crew, with meals, porters, and safety support included, this trek delivers a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience in just five days.
Kilimanjaro Climbing (trekking) route 5 days Marangu itinerary is fairly easy despite of its difficult at the final part to the summit. Termed easier route, the route has encounter a highest failure rate due to bad preparation and untimely attempt. The above situations have moved KINAPA officials to put more emphasis and serious measures for those who climbing Mt Kilimanjaro on Marangu route. All camps along this route have a good radio communication to the park office. Some goods like mineral water, soft drinks, beer and chocolates are available in these camps.
5 days Marangu Climbing Kilimanjaro Trekking Operator is also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and the most well established route on the Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilet. Short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.
Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for pick up and transferred to your hotel either Parkview Inn or Weruweru River lodge 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. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
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
Accommodation:
Mandara Hut
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
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
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: 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
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: 12hours – 15hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
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
Accommodation: moshi/arusha
