5-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Marangu Route

5-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Marangu Route

This 5-day trek via the Marangu Route—often called the “Coca-Cola Route”—is one of the most popular ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, offering gradual ascent profiles and the comfort of hut accommodation along the way. It’s ideal for hikers seeking a scenic, relatively short climb with good support infrastructure and experienced guides.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1
Arusha – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 4
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Back to Horombo Hut
Day 5
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

Price Rates

2 persons
4 persons
6+ persons
$1485.00
$1430.00
$1403.00

Plan My Trip

Tour
  • STEP 1
  • STEP 2
Day 1
Arusha – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate, located at 1,860m. After registration and briefing at the gate, you’ll begin your trek through dense rainforest rich with wildlife. As you ascend 818 meters over 8km (about 4–5 hours), keep an eye out for blue colobus monkeys, various birds, and exotic flora. You’ll arrive at Mandara Hut (2,700m), a comfortable base with solar-powered lighting and flush toilets. If time allows, a short walk to Maundi Crater offers scenic views of northern Tanzania and even parts of Kenya. Overnight at Mandara Hut.

Distance: 8 km | ⏱ Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Habitat: Rainforest

Meals Plan:

Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, the trail continues upward through the rainforest and transitions into heathland and moorland, characterized by giant lobelias and groundsels. This day involves a 12km trek, taking 5–6 hours, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 meters. If the skies are clear, you’ll catch your first view of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, two of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,700m), your overnight stop nestled beneath the looming presence of the summit.

Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Habitat: Heathland

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s hike takes you out of the moorlands and into the stark and expansive alpine desert. You’ll cover 9km in about 5–6 hours, gaining nearly 1,000 meters in elevation. The trail crosses the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, giving you a dramatic preview of the summit climb ahead. Arriving at Kibo Hut (4,700m), you’ll settle in early, enjoy dinner, and rest up. Proper hydration is emphasized as you prepare for the midnight summit push.

Distance: 9 km |  Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Day 4
Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Back to Horombo Hut

Your summit day begins just after midnight with a light snack and hot drink before heading into the dark, cold night. The trail to Stella Point (5,756m) is steep and demanding, taking about 5–6 hours. From there, you continue for another hour along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your success with photos and take in the incredible sunrise over the continent. After a short rest, descend back to Kibo Hut for brunch, and continue further down to Horombo Hut (3,700m) for your final overnight on the mountain. This is the most challenging and rewarding day, covering around 21km of hiking over 12–14 hours.

Distance: 6 km up + 15 km down
Hiking Time: 6–8 hrs up, 6–8 hrs down
Elevation Gain: +1,181m / -2,195m

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations:

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Day 5
Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

After breakfast and a warm farewell with your mountain crew, you’ll begin the final descent to Marangu Gate. The trail takes you back through lush forest over a 20km hike (4–5 hours). At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and have a moment to celebrate with your guides and porters. Afterward, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, where a hot shower, hearty meal, and well-earned rest await.

Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Habitat: Forest

Meals Plan:

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations:

Lemala Ngorongoro Camp

Included

Park fees (for non-residents)

Professional guide, porters, and cook

All accommodations during the climb (in mountain huts)

Rescue fees

All meals and drinking water as per itinerary

All transportation and taxes/VAT

All activities unless labeled optional

Roundtrip airport transfers

Excluded

Climbing gear (available for rent)

Tips (suggested $10 per person/day)

Accommodation before/after the tour

International flights

Travel insurance, visa fees, personal expenses

Government-imposed park fee/tax increases

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