5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

Safari Overview

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca Cola route” – the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak.

It is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.

The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Aishi Machame Hotel. The ride there takes about 1.5 hours.

The well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice – will treat you to scenic African landscapes.

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    Day 1: Mandara Hut (2,740m) – Horombo Hut (3700m) – (9,000ft to 12,100ft)

    After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara hut located at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania.

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    Day 2: Marangu gate (1700m) – Mandara Hut 2740m – (5,500ft to 9,000ft)

    In the morning around 8:30 a.m after breakfast starting trekking to Horombo hut. After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo hut. The view of Kibo summit and Mawenzi are both stunning and shinning in clear days. In most cases giant lobelias and grounsels are found on your way. Horombo hut is a point were most of the climbers uses it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. Spending an extra day give a wide change for successful summit the roof of Africa.

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    Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) – Kibo Hut (4700m) – (12,100ft to 15,400ft)

    In the morning after breakfast the trek will take us to the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into desert like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner, take a nap and at the middle of the night around 23:30 hour prepare for summit climb.

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    Day 4: Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft) to Summit (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

    Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two hour hike Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will continue to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing on to Horombo Hut. Reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

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    Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)

    After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Our vehicles will be waiting to take you back to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport in time for your onward flight. Alternatively continue to your booked hotel for overnight.

Included in the Safari Cost
  • Arrival & Departure airport transfers complementary to all our clients.
  • Transportation as per itinerary.
  • Accommodation per itinerary or similar with a request to all our clients.
  • Meals as per itinerary B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner.
  • Services literate English driver/guide.
  • National park & game reserve entrance fees as per itinerary.
  • Excursions & activities as per itinerary with a request
  • Recommended Mineral Water while on safari.
Excluded in the Safari Cost
  • Visas and related costs.
  • Personal Taxes.
  • Drinks, tips, laundry, telephone calls and other items of a personal nature.
  • International flights.
  • Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary like Balloon safari, Masai Village.
For more information:

Please contact us on email info@morningstarsafaris.com or phone +254 742 143 599