5-Day Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca Cola" or "tourist" route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water (cold) are available at the two lower huts. Mens and womens latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
All our Kilimanjaro treks are offered as a private trip, starting on any day. We also offer group departures on select dates. Follow your Kilimanjaro trek with a safari!
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi
Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi.
*** A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that says "Adventures Within Reach" and/or your name. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Moshi with no traffic.
There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.
If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.
Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 2: 5 DAY MARANGU KILIMANJARO TREK / Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut (BLD)
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After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
-- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
-- Distance: 8km/5mi
-- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-- Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mandara Hut
Day 3: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (BLD)
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
-- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
-- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-- Habitat: Heathland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (BLD)
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape". Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
-- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
-- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Kibo Hut
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut (BLD)
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly "pole pole" and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
-- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
-- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
-- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
-- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
-- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Horombo Camp
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi (BL)
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
-- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
-- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
-- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-- Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Mid-Range Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Day 7: Depart Moshi (B)
If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also arrange a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing
5-Day Marangu RoutePrices are Per Person and Valid for Trips through December 31, 2024
| # People in Group: | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6 |
| Mid-Range Lodging: | $1995 | $1895 | $1795 |
Prices are Per Person and Valid for Trips January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025
| # People in Group: | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6+ |
| Mid-Range Lodging: | $2195 | $2095 | $1995 |
*** Contact Us for other itinerary and lodging options! ***
NOTE: Prices are per person in U.S. dollars based on double/triple occupancy. All quotations are based on the current rates of park fees, VAT, other government taxes, and current exchange rates. Should any of these be increased or a new tax introduced, these increases will be added on even if your trip has already been paid for.
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