5 Days Marangu Route

About This Tour

A 5-day climb of the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is an ambitious and challenging endeavor due to the relatively short duration compared to the standard 6-7 day itineraries. The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular routes up Kilimanjaro and is known for its comfortable hut accommodations along the way. However, completing the climb in 5 days requires careful planning, physical fitness, and acclimatization.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a 5-day climb of the Marangu Route:

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

• Begin at the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters/6,102 feet) and register with park authorities.
• Trek through lush rainforest, home to diverse flora and fauna.
• Arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700 meters/8,858 feet), where you’ll spend the night in comfortable hut accommodations.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

• Continue through the rainforest, gradually ascending through moorland.
• Pass through the Maundi Crater and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
•  Reach Horombo Hut (3,720 meters/12,205 feet), your accommodation for the night. This marks your first significant altitude gain.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

• Ascend further through alpine desert terrain, crossing the vast saddle between Mount Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
•  Pass by the last water point at the “Saddle Junction.”
• Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 meters/15,420 feet), located at the base of the summit cone. Rest and prepare for the summit push.

Day 4: Summit Day (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut)

• Begin the summit attempt in the early hours of the morning, usually around midnight.
• Trek up steep and challenging switchbacks on the rocky scree slope.
• Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters/18,638 feet) on the crater rim, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.
• Descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

• Descend through the moorland and rainforest zones, enjoying the scenery one last time.
• Arrive at the Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates and celebrate your achievement.
• Transfer back to your accommodations in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your Kilimanjaro climb.

It’s important to note that a 5-day climb of the Marangu Route is challenging due to the rapid ascent and limited time for acclimatization. Climbers should be in excellent physical condition, adequately prepared for high-altitude trekking, and aware of the risks associated with altitude sickness. Additionally, climbers may experience more crowded conditions on this route compared to longer itineraries, as it is a popular choice among trekkers. Therefore, proper preparation, including physical training, altitude acclimatization, and mental readiness, is essential for a successful and safe climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route in 5 days.

Seasonal Pricing (Per Person):

• High Season (Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct, Dec 20–Jan 5): $1,750
• Mid Season (March & November): $1,600
• Low Season (April–May): $1,450

Included

• Park fees and rescue fees
• Huts accommodation (unique to Marangu)
• All meals during the trek
• Transport to/from trailhead
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Porters and cook
• First-aid kit, pulse oximeter
• Drinking water
• Government taxes

Excluded

• International/domestic flights
• Tips (recommended: $200–$250 total)
• Travel insurance
• Personal gear (available for rent)
• Accommodation before/after trek
• Visa fees