Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days

Mount Kilimanjaro

From

$511.00

Duration

5 days

Best Season

Tour Overview

The Marangu Route (aka “Coca‑Cola” route) is Kilimanjaro’s classic southern approach, traveling through rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert. Typically completed in 5–6 days, it uses shared mountain huts instead of tents, offering more comfort on the mountain. Technically easier but with a faster ascent profile, shorter itineraries can reduce acclimatization and summit success. Popular and often crowded, Marangu suits trekkers wanting hut accommodation and simpler logistics—consider an extra acclimatization day for best results.

Tour Highlights

  • Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Marangu Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Maps)
  • Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:00 AM for a prompt departure at 8:30 AM.
  • Return Time: Approximately 12:30 PM on the last day.
  • Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, a hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
  • Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
  • Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet travelers’ needs
  • Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  • Trip Availability: All year round.

Tour Itinerary

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Through the rainforest, you walk to the Mandara escarpment. If you want a better view of the surroundings including regions of Kenya and Tanzania, you should consider taking a side trip to Maundi Crater. In the rainforest, you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, varied birdlife, and numerous Colobus monkeys.

  • Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi,
  • Approx. time taken: 5 hours,

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 effects of the altitude.

  • Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 12km/7.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Heathland
  • Meals: BLD

As we ascend further, we pass the last watering spot and walk into the saddle of Kilimanjaro which is in between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The rich vegetation starts once you advance into the upper heath land, but then gradually diminishes. Dinner will be arranged at the hut and you’ll relax and prepare for the next summit day.

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
  • Distance: 9km/5.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

The trekking will resume between midnight to 2 am and we’ll head towards the summit to the Gilman’s Point which is at the crater rim through a route filled with heavy scree and snow. Following that, we’ll ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll be gifted with unbelievable.Once at the summit, you can take pictures which you will act as souvenirs for your friends and family back home. After spending some time up there, you’ll be descending down to the Horombo escarpment. Lunch on route The climb will begin in way before sunrise in the darkness, thus you’ll be requiring headlamps and flashlights. Until you start descending, it’s going to be extremely cold and you’ll need warm layer of clothes. This will be by far the most demanding part of the trekking journey and a strong will power and an optimistic attitude is required to complete it!

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Down to 3700m/12,200ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: BLD

Following breakfast, you’ll be descending down to the Mandara Hut through a moorland trail. Then through a lush forest path, you’ll be further descending to Marangu to the National Park gate. The lower elevations will most likely be muddy and wet where gaiters and trekking poles will come in handy. Shorts and t-shirts are more than enough to wear, however, do pack rain gear and warm clothes. Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

  • Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
  • Distance: 20km/12.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: B

Hiking Cost Includes/Excludes

  • Two-way private airport transfers
  • All park fees collected by the National Park
  • Hotel accommodations before and after the hike
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • All meals on the hike
  • All group equipment
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete Expedition medical kits
  • Professional licensed guides
  • Dedicated support crew
  • Government taxes
  • Crew salaries
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Personal Climbing gears
  • Tanzania Visa on arrival
  • Mountaineering Insurance
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses

Hiking Cost per Person

Number of People Cost per Person in the US($)
1 Person $3,150
2 People $2,380
3 People $2,320
4 People $2,290
5 People $2,250
6 People $2,225
7 People $2,195
8 People $2,175
9 People $2,165
10 People + $2,120

Tour Accommodations

Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
One before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include:
1. Keys Hotel: Comfortable and contemporary stay.
2. Ameg Lodge: Tranquil retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
3. Lindrin Lodge: Charming and rustic ambiance.
4. Parkview Inn: Convenient location with well-appointed rooms.
5. Chanya Lodge: Exceptional service and warm hospitality.

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Tour Information

Max Guests per Group

12

Min Age

13+

Tour Location

Languages Support

Accomodation

Maximum Altitude

Fitness Level

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