Marangu route Kilimanjaro hike

Safari summary

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Overview
The 5 Days Marangu Route Hike, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the shortest and one of the most direct routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. 5 Days Marangu Route Hike is the only route that offers accommodation in mountain huts, providing trekkers with added comfort and protection from the elements. The 5 Days Marangu Route Hike follows a single trail for both the ascent and descent, passing through rich rainforest, moorland, and high-altitude desert. Although its shorter duration makes it more challenging in terms of acclimatization, it remains a popular choice for climbers seeking a relatively fast and accessible Kilimanjaro trekking experience.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Distance Covered
The total distance covered on the 5 Days Marangu Route Hike is approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) round trip. Trekkers follow a well-established path from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak and back via the same trail. Daily trekking distances range between 8 to 15 kilometers, spread across steady inclines through varying terrains. The route's relatively moderate gradients make it physically manageable, although the condensed itinerary demands good physical conditioning due to limited time for altitude adaptation.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Weather & Temperature
The weather and temperature along the 5 Days Marangu Route Hike vary considerably as trekkers move through distinct ecological zones. The journey begins in a warm and humid rainforest and progresses into cooler moorlands and the cold alpine desert. As altitude increases, especially beyond Kibo Hut, temperatures can drop significantly, particularly during the night and early morning summit attempt, with conditions reaching below freezing. While generally more sheltered than other routes due to hut accommodations, trekkers must still be prepared for rain, wind, and cold at higher elevations.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Elevation Gain
The elevation gain on the 5 Days Marangu Route Hike is approximately 4,035 meters (13,238 feet), starting at Marangu Gate at 1,860 meters (6,102 feet) and culminating at Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This gain is achieved over a relatively short timeframe, which can increase the risk of altitude-related symptoms. While the route features a gentle incline, the rapid ascent without an acclimatization day can be physically demanding and requires careful pacing and hydration to support a successful summit.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Itinerary Summary (in paragraph form)
The5 Days Marangu Route Hike itinerary begins with a hike from Marangu Gate through dense rainforest to Mandara Hut. On the second day, trekkers ascend to Horombo Hut, passing through moorland with scenic views of Mount Mawenzi. Day three involves a long trek to Kibo Hut, crossing the alpine desert in preparation for the summit attempt. The summit push begins around midnight on day four, with climbers reaching Gilman’s Point before proceeding to Uhuru Peak. After summiting, trekkers descend to Horombo Hut for overnight rest. The final day concludes with a descent through the forest to Marangu Gate.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Acclimatization & Success Rate
The 5 Days Marangu Route Hike offers limited acclimatization opportunities, as it lacks an extra day to adjust to altitude changes. As a result, the summit success rate is lower compared to longer itineraries, typically ranging between 75% to 90%. While the trail's gradual incline and hut accommodations provide a level of comfort, the compressed schedule demands good physical preparation and a cautious approach to altitude. This 5 Days Marangu Route Hike is best suited for trekkers who are confident in their fitness level and previous high-altitude experience.

5 Days Marangu Route Hike Cost and Price
The cost of the 5-day Marangu Route trek cost $1,200 per person, offering one of the most affordable options for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This price commonly includes national park fees, accommodation in mountain huts, meals, guide and porter support, and transport to and from the park gate. While less expensive than longer routes, the 5 Days Marangu Route Hike still provides a complete Kilimanjaro climbing experience, balancing cost-effectiveness with the essential services required for a safe and guided ascent.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• All drinks
• Meals
• Park fees

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Hot air balloons
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Premium alcoholic beverages
• Private vehicle and driver
• Spa treatments
• Tips and gratuities
• Visas