The Best Five-Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Hiking to Summit on 2025,2026,2027
Overview of the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” Route, is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers hut accommodation, making it a popular choice for climbers who want a more comfortable experience. Its gradual ascent and well-defined paths make it accessible for climbers of varying experience levels. Over the course of five days, you’ll traverse Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, from tropical rainforests to arctic-like summit conditions, all while staying in simple but cozy mountain huts.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Preparation
Arrival in Moshi/Arusha: Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. Our team will meet you for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Overnight Stay: Moshi/Arusha
Day 2: Moshi to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,015 meters
After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Marangu Gate (1,840m). The trek starts with a gentle ascent through the lush tropical rainforest, abundant with wildlife and exotic plants. After 4-5 hours, you will reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters
Your second day of hiking takes you through the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you approach Horombo Hut, offering stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Horombo Hut will be your resting point for the night.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Elevation Gain: 983 meters
Today’s trek leads through a rocky desert and the “Saddle” between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As you ascend, the vegetation diminishes, and you enter an alpine desert. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll rest and prepare for your summit attempt at midnight.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak – 5,895m), then Descend to Horombo Hut
Summit Hike Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time to Uhuru Peak: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,192 meters
Descent Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Descent Time: 5-6 hours
Your summit attempt starts just after midnight. You’ll begin the challenging climb up to Gillman’s Point (5,685m) and then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you will descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Descent Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Descent Time: 6-7 hours
The final day involves a descent through the moorland and rainforest back to the Marangu Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before driving back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
Why Choose the Marangu Route?
Hut Accommodation: Unlike other routes, the Marangu Route offers overnight stays in huts, providing more shelter and comfort.
Scenic Diversity: From lush rainforests to alpine deserts, the route showcases Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems.
Shorter Duration: This five-day trek is perfect for climbers who want a faster, direct route to the summit.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro (2025, 2026, 2027)
Optimal Climbing Seasons: The best months to climb are from January to March and from June to October. These periods offer the most stable weather, making your summit attempt safer and more enjoyable.
Inclusions
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Clean, purified drinking water
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Exclusions
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tanzania Visa
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tips and gratuities
International and domestic flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Book your Five-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route adventure for 2025, 2026, or 2027 now! Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-time adventurer, this route offers a rewarding and unforgettable journey to Africa’s highest peak. Secure your spot today and make your dream of standing on top of Kilimanjaro a reality!
