Marangu Route – Climb Kilimanjaro – 5 days

What to expect

Marangu Route is the most popular, least difficult and the shortest way to Uhuru Peak. This route is also called the Tourist Route or the Coca Cola Route. 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route is fairly easy but the final part to the summit is still difficult. Although this rout is the easiest, it has the highest failure rate due to bad preparation. It is advised to take this route seriously enough, to be well organized and to take all possible safety measures.

All the camps on this route sale goods such as chocolates, beer, soft drinks and mineral water, and they all have a radio contact to the Park Office. This route can be done in 5 days but it is advised to take an extra day for acclimatization at the Horombo hut which is also the only campsite on Kilimanjaro with beds and mattresses.

Known as the ‘Coca Cola Route’ because of its popularity and its relative ease, the Marangu route is the most popular route by which to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit.

 For those who are pressed for time, the five-day option is a rushed, but achievable way to conquer the Roof of Africa.

Best time to go:
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Animals you will spot on this trip

Your adventure begins

1
Day

DAY ONE - MOSHI - MARANGU GATE - MANDARA HUT

Youu2019ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive to Kilimanjaro National Park.
Here, youu2019ll liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.

Hiking for 5-6 hours through this ancient jungle, youu2019ll get to go on a miniature safari as you spot wildlife such as black and white colobus monkeys along the way.

Youu2019ll spend your night at the modern Mandara Huts, which boast luxuries such as solar lighting and flush toilets. You wonu2019t be seeing those again anytime soon!

2
Day

DAY TWO - MANDARA HUT - HOROMBO HUT

Youu2019ll set off bright and early today, as youu2019ve got a long day of hiking ahead of you!

Todayu2019s hike takes you from the verdant rainforest into the stark alpine zone, as youu2019ll cover more than 11 kilometres on your way to the Maundi Crater.

If the weather is clear, youu2019ll find stunning views of Kibo Glacier from here before settling down for the evening.

3
Day

DAY THREE - HOROMBO HUT - KIBO HUT

Itu2019s another big day of hiking today, as youu2019ll make your way to Kibo Hut to set up camp ahead of your summit attempt.
Climbing almost 1,000m, youu2019ll pass your last watering point at the 4,130m mark before arriving at Kibo Hut in the afternoon.

Remember to drink plenty of water during your early dinner, as youu2019ll be up bright and early tomorrow to begin your ascent to the summit!

4
Day

DAY FOUR - KIBO HUT - UHURU PEAK - HOROMBO HUT

Youu2019re starting your day early today u2013 just after midnight, in fact!

Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

Youu2019ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and youu2019ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, thereu2019s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

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Standing at 5,985m, youu2019ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. Youu2019ve done itu00a0

Youu2019ll then descend back to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut. At anywhere between 12 and 16 hours of hiking, this is sure to be one of the longest, most gruelling days of your life!

5
Day

DAY FIVE - HOROMBO HUT - MARANGU GATE - MOSHI

Itu2019s a day of celebration today, as youu2019ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Marangu Gate.

Itu2019s an almost 20km walk today, but the steady downhill makes it a lot easier than the ascent.

Upon arrival at the gate, youu2019ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.

Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.

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End of adventure

How it works

  • Describe your dream trip
  • A travel consultant will help curate your experience
  • Confirm & start packing
USA Office, Jake McCormick

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