The best Kilimanjaro in five (5)-Days Marangu Route 2025/2026 complete
The best Kilimanjaro in five (5)-Days Marangu Route 2025/2026 complete also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the quickest paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route provides hut accommodations, adding comfort to the journey. Though it’s a shorter itinerary, the Marangu Route’s rapid ascent requires good fitness and preparation due to limited time for acclimatization.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Transfer: To your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. You’ll meet your guide in the evening for a pre-climb briefing, an equipment check, and some rest before the climb.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration. Begin your trek through the lush rainforest, filled with giant trees, exotic flowers, and wildlife like colobus monkeys. The hike is a gradual incline, arriving in the late afternoon at Mandara Hut, where you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay. You can also explore the nearby Maundi Crater for scenic views.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail enters the moorland zone, a landscape with open vistas, heather, and wildflowers. As you trek higher, you’ll have impressive views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. After a long trek, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon for dinner and overnight rest.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike leads you across the barren Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. The landscape becomes stark and desolate, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you’ll have an early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent to the summit.
Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 21 km (8 km ascent, 13 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, Moorland
Your summit attempt begins around midnight, ascending steeply to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (5,685m). From there, you’ll continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where you can take in the breathtaking sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland, Rainforest
After breakfast, make your final descent to Marangu Gate through the moorland and rainforest zones. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, where you can celebrate your accomplishment.
Tips for the 5-Day Marangu Route
Acclimatization: Due to the short timeframe, you may experience altitude effects quickly, so go slowly and stay hydrated.
Gear: Make sure to bring warm clothing for the summit night, as temperatures can drop significantly.
This 5-day Marangu Route itinerary offers a fast yet challenging adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, perfect for those with limited time who are well-prepared and physically fit.
Includes:
Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
Airport Transfers
Meals according to the itinerary
Drinking water and Full Board Meals
All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
Gate Transfers
Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes:
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
