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5 Days Marangu Route
The 5 Days Marangu Route, famously known as the “Coca-Cola” route as you can get a bottle of Coca-Cola at each hut, is the original route established to climb Kilimanjaro.
The Marangu route is often billed as one of the easier walking routes, however, according to KINAPA it suffers from the lowest success rate (42%) as too many climbers try to do it in only 5 days and fail because of poor acclimatization.
We’ve built in an extra day’s acclimatization for you, greatly improving the success rate
The Marangu route is one of the foremost popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
This 5 Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Marangu Route is popular partly because it is the most affordable option. Additionally, it allows climbers to reach the summit in just five days—one day earlier than the Machame Route.
However, this shorter duration also means a limited acclimatization period, making the climb more challenging.
“The 5 day Marangu Route is a classic trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The route is 50 miles long and is considered challenging due to its short duration.”
Rates for a Private Trek
- Solo Trekker – USD 1519 per person
- Group of 2 – USD 1416 per person
- Group of 3 – USD 1362 per person
- Group of 4 – USD 1348 per person
- Group of 5 – USD 1336 per person
- Group of 6 – USD 1323 per person
- Group of 7 – USD 1318 per person
- Group of 8 – USD 1314 per person
- Group of 9 – USD 1310 per person
- Group of 10 and above – USD 1306 per person
The climb cost includes
- Transfers
- Entry fees
- Accommodation
- Please note
- Meals
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Climbing crew
The climb cost excludes:
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent)
- Personal gear rentals
- Tips for the mountain crew (200–250 USD per person)
- Mountaineering insurance
Day 1: Transfer from Arusha town to Marangu Gate – Mandara hut 2700m
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Distance: About 12 km’s.
Habitat: Montane forest.
Elevation change: + 720 m
After breakfast, meet your Kilimanjaro guides and transfer to Marangu Gate, a 45-minute drive. Once there, complete the registration process. Pack essential items, like a camera, extra clothes, and a rain jacket, as porters will carry the heavier gear, food, and supplies. Begin hiking through a lush rainforest trail, misty and moss-covered, alongside a scenic stream. After about 1.5 hours, you’ll reach Mandara Hut. This camp offers A-framed huts with bunks, solar lighting, spring water, and flush toilets, accommodating up to 60 climbers.
Day 2: Mandara hut 2700m- Horombo hut 3720m
Hiking time: 6 hours.
Distance: About 15 km’s.
Habitat: Moorland.
Elevation change: + 1020 m
After breakfast, begin your Kilimanjaro climb along the Marangu Route toward Horombo Hut with a picnic lunch. The trail moves through a forest stretch and around Maundi Crater, leading to the scenic moorlands with views of Kibo Crater and glaciers on clear days. Capture unique plants like giant lobelia and groundsel. Arriving at Horombo Hut by afternoon, you’ll enjoy a warm dinner and overnight stay, with nighttime temperatures near freezing.
Day 3: Horombo hut 3720m Kibo hut 4700m
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 15 km’s
Habitat: Alpine desert
Elevation change: + 980 m
The 5-Day Marangu Route climb becomes challenging as oxygen decreases at higher altitudes. Today, follow the easier lower route to the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, passing the last watering point; refill here, as the next water source is at Horombo Hut on descent. After a 5-7 hour trek, reach Kibo Hut for dinner and rest. Prepare for the final ascent with essential gear and extra thermal layers. Aim to sleep by 7:00 pm to rest before the early summit attempt.
DAY 4: Kibo hut 4700 m – Uhuru Peak 5895 m- Horombo hut 3720 m
Hiking time: 10 hours
Distance: About 27 km’s
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Elevation change: + 1195 m, – 2175 m
Today is the toughest day of the 5-Day Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu Route. Woken just before midnight, you’ll begin the steep ascent to Hans Meyer Cave (5150 meters) and then continue to Gillman’s Point (5680 meters). This section is extremely rocky and steep, so pace yourself. From there, walk through snow for about 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5895 meters). After enjoying your achievement and taking photos, begin your descent. It will take about 3 hours to reach Kibo Hut, followed by another 3-hour descent to Horombo Hut for lunch, rest, and an overnight stay, feeling proud of your accomplishment.
DAY 5: Horombo hut 3720 m – Mandara hut 1980m
Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: About 27 km’s
Habitat: Moorland + Rain Forest
Elevation change: – 1740 m
After a hearty breakfast, continue your descent, passing Mandara Hut on your way to Marangu Gate, a journey that takes about six hours. At the gate, you’ll sign the register and receive your summit certificate—green for reaching Gillman’s Point, or gold for reaching Uhuru Peak. Then, enjoy a road transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower, drinks to celebrate, and a restful night in a comfortable bed.
