affordable five days Marangu

5 days—The Most Complete Guide to the 5-Day Marangu Route – The Gateway to Kilimanjaro

$1200-1590 USD

pp

Safari summary

Discover the complete guide to the 5-day Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro’s most comfortable trail with hut accommodation and the easiest summit path.

Introduction:

Planning to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro? The 5-Day Marangu Route is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly trails to reach Africa’s highest peak. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s the only route that offers permanent hut accommodation, making it ideal for trekkers who prefer a warmer bed over a cold tent.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from daily itinerary and terrain types to difficulty, altitude tips, gear checklist, and booking advice. Whether you're a first-time hiker or simply looking for a straightforward climb, the Marangu Route is the ultimate gateway to Kilimanjaro.

Why Choose the Marangu Route?

Only route with mountain huts instead of camping

Passes through 5 distinct ecological zones

Shortest and most direct path to the summit

Ideal for beginners with a moderate fitness level

Easier logistics and typically lower cost than camping routes

Quick Facts About the Marangu Route:

Feature Details

Duration 5 Days (optional 6-day version with extra acclimatization)

Total Distance ~70 km (round trip)

Highest Altitude 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)

Accommodation Mountain Huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)

Difficulty Moderate

Start Point Marangu Gate (1,870m)

Best Season January–March, June–October


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus None
Activity level Strenuous activity
Best months All months
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Walking safari—with armed guard
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • All drinks
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1,870m to 2,700m Hiking Time: 4–5 hours Distance: 8 km Highlights: Rainforest zone, blue monkeys, lush flora Overnight: Mandara Hut Start at the Marangu Gate, where you’ll register and meet your guides. Hike through a vibrant rainforest, often alive with bird calls and monkey sightings. Arrive at Mandara Hut for dinner and rest.

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m Hiking Time: 5–6 hours Distance: 12 km Highlights: Heath and moorland zone, views of Mawenzi Overnight: Horombo Hut The trail ascends to open moorlands with stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. A gradual but steady climb prepares your body for the altitude.

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m Hiking Time: 6–8 hours Distance: 10 km Highlights: Alpine desert terrain, lava fields Overnight: Kibo Hut Trek across vast alpine landscapes toward the final base camp. Rest and hydrate well — summit night begins at midnight.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo

Summit Day (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut) Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), down to 3,720m Hiking Time: 12–15 hours Distance: ~21 km Highlights: Gilman’s Point, Stella Point, Uhuru Peak Overnight: Horombo Hut Begin your summit push under moonlight, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and then Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Enjoy the sunrise over the African plains before descending all the way back to Horombo for the night.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3,720m to 1,870m Hiking Time: 5–6 hours Distance: 20 km Highlights: Final descent through forest zone Finish: Certificate presentation at the gate A steady descent through lush forest leads you back to the gate. Celebrate your achievement with a well-earned summit certificate.

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