Marangu route, commonly known as the coca cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Marangu route, commonly known as the coca cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Summit night from kibo hut is steep and passes gilman's point to uhuru peak. It is a shorter route with a steeper incline and less time for acclimatization it tends to have a lower summit success rate. This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.
Geographic Profile
Daily walking times range from 4 to 7 hours across distinct biomes (rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and arctic summit scree). Elevation gains are strategically calculated to give your body adequate time to produce oxygen-carrying red blood cells naturally.
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Day by day
5Days Itinerary
Day by day • Detailed daily breakdown
Trail: 7KM/MI/4-5HRS/RAINFOREST Elevation 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft. Departing from arusha 2-3 drive to Marangu the kilimanjaro national Park gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Trail: 11KM/3MI/6-8HRS/MOORELAND Elevation:2740m/9000ft 3690m/12,100ft. After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorland where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of mawenzi. Arrive at the horombo huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular kibo summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.
Trail: 10KM/6MI/6-8HRS/SEMI-DESERT Elevation:3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft. After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting mawenzi and kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.
Trail: 4KM/2.5MI UP/5-7HRS/-HOROMBO HUTS :14KM/9MI DOWN/5-6HRS/GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPEDSUMMIT Elevation ;4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3690m/12,100ft. Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards gilman's point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1hour ascent to uhuru peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations one step at a time you have now reached uhuru peak the highest point on Mount kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to kibo huts, stopping at kibo for lunch then descent down to horombo huts. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain overnight horombo huts.
Trail: 18km/11MI/6-7HRS/RAINFOREST Elevation ;3690m/12,100to 1830m/6000ft After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down stopping at the mandara huts for lunch. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. You return back to the Marangu park gate and receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet muddy and steep and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you to drive you back to your hotel in arusha(2 hours) enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations..
On trekking itineraries, we provide four-season expedition mountain tents with thick high-density foam sleeping pads, private chemical toilet tents, and a spacious all-weather mess tent with dining tables and back-supported chairs. On safari days, lodging matches your chosen comfort tier (hand-picked eco-lodges or luxury tented safari camps with en-suite bathrooms and solar hot water).
Preparation
This trip requires good cardiovascular fitness and leg endurance. Prior mountaineering experience is not mandatory, but you should be capable of walking 5 to 7 hours per day with a 6–8 kg daypack. We recommend 8 to 12 weeks of training before departure: stair climbing, trail hiking with a loaded backpack, and aerobic workouts (jogging, swimming, cycling).
Clear value
Indicative Base Fare
From $1,850 per person
Private Treks: Start any day of the year you choose. No penalty for solo or duo parties.
Open Group Treks: Scheduled weekly departures during the dry seasons (June–October & December–March).
Solo Climbers: Join an existing open departure or book a dedicated private expedition.
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Answers
The 5 Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb runs for 5 days. It starts with Marangu Gate- Mandara Huts and finishes with Horombo Huts - Marangu Gate-arusha.
Included: Accommodation; Food; Park fees; Transport 4x4 jeep. The full list of inclusions and exclusions is on this page.
Prices start from $1,850 per person. The final price depends on dates, group size and options, so ask us for a personal quote.
This trip is rated challenging. The highest point is 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak).
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Common questions
Most of our packages include accommodation, meals, park fees, private 4x4 safari transport, professional guides, airport or hotel transfers, and activities mentioned in the itinerary. Specific inclusions may vary depending on the tour.
Tanzania can be visited year-round, but the best time for safaris is usually during the dry season from June to October. Zanzibar is also beautiful during this period, while Kilimanjaro climbs are ideal from January to March and June to October.
Yes! We specialize in personalized experiences and can tailor your safari, Zanzibar holiday, or Kilimanjaro trek based on your travel style, budget, and preferences.
We offer a variety of accommodations including budget camps, mid-range lodges, luxury safari lodges, beachfront resorts, and mountain camps during Kilimanjaro treks.
We offer both private and group safari options. Private safaris provide a more personalized experience, while group safaris are a great option for travelers looking for a more affordable adventure.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is physically challenging but achievable for most people with proper preparation and determination. Choosing the right route and itinerary greatly improves acclimatization and summit success.
Plan with confidence
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