If you are the first time trekker and you want to climb Kilimanjaro in few days, here is suggested route for you to climb Kilimanjaro via the easy Marangu route. This 5 Days Marangu route itinerary is the only uncomplicated route to Uhuru peak on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing because of marangu’s gentle slopes but need optional acclimatization day that one can reschedule to 6 days. The Marangu route is known as Coca-Cola Route meaning simple like Coca cola. However it is the only route on the mountain which offers accommodation in sleeping huts and serves beverages like Coca-Cola on the way. 5 Days Marangu route.
Itinerary: 5 Days Marangu route Kilimanjaro climb.
Day 1: We leave Moshi to Kilimanjaro gate – Mandara Hut.
Take a short drive from Moshi or Arusha town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby, and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well. [3-5 hours walking to Mandara Hut] 5 days Marangu route.
Day 2: We leave Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds. [4-6 hours walking from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut].
Day 3: Weleave Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Through Desert Saddle.
we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut].
Day 4: We leave Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut.
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zig-zag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night. [11-15 hours walking from Kibo Hut to Gillman’s Point].
Day 5: Safari to Kilimanjaro Retrace through Forest.
We retrace our steps with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi or Arusha town. The final hike of your wonderful 5 day Marangu route trekking begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a moderate 2 hours’ walk through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where you will meet a transferring driver. At the gate you will sign out and obtain your Kilimanjaro certificate then you will drive back to Moshi where you will have a long and warm shower after a tiring mountain. The rest of the day is free to rest while enjoying a glass of wine, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Accommodation: Keys Hotel/Sal Salinero hotel.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Departure.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or shuttle bus stand for your next destination.
Accommodation: None.
Meal plan: Breakfast.
Add-ons to 5 Days Marangu route (Extension).
In addition to your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure you can add few days for safari in Tanzania famous national parks. Our most popular Itinerary is 5 days tour to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. This safari itinerary can be offered in both, camping and lodging. You can also add few nights in Zanzibar after Kilimanjaro trekking or after safari so you have a combination of Kilimanjaro trekking, safari and Zanzibar.
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure airport transfers.
- 2 night’s hotel in Moshi one before and one after trekking.
- Kilimanjaro entry fees.
- Camping (hut) fees.
- Rescue fees.
- Transfer to and from the mountain.
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes.
- Salaries for Kilimanjaro support staff.
- All meals on the mountain.
- Sleeping Tents or hut camping.
- Sleeping mattresses.
- Cooking and eating utensils.
- Oximeter.
Tour exclusions.
- Tips for guides and support staff.
- Sleeping bag and personal items.
- Private portable toilet and privacy tent.
- Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.).
- Extra activities.
- Extra nights ($240 per person per day).