5 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route
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The Marangu Route, often known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is the oldest and one of the most popular paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. By choosing this route, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Hans Meyer, who made the first successful summit in 1889. This trail runs through Kilimanjaro National Park, crossing all the mountain’s climatic zones, from tropical forest to alpine desert. Uniquely, it is the only route offering dormitory-style huts for overnight stays.
Thinking about the Marangu Route? It’s a great option during the rainy seasons mid-March to late May, and late October to late December since the huts provide dry and comfortable shelter. The Marangu Route is available in 5- and 6-day variations, with the 6-day option being significantly less strenuous.
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paperwork 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.
- Elevation: 1860m to 2700m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
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.
- Elevation: 2700m to 3700m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 12 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Heath and Moorland
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.
- Elevation: 3700m to 4700m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
- Elevation: 4700m to 5895m (ascent) and then down to 3700m (descent)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Distance: 22 km (6 km ascent, 16 km descent)
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic (Summit Zone)
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.
- Elevation: 3700m to 1860m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 20 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Heath and Moorland, then Rainforest
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.
Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
- Meals: Breakfast Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs )
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Airport Transfer
- Pre and Post climb Hotel Accommodation
This map is designed to take you on an exciting journey, showcasing amazing sites and unforgettable experiences along the way.
Price From
Prices are based on two adults sharing. Solo travelers and private groups, please contact us for a personalized quote.
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