Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro

5 days Marangu Route

$1750-2150 USD

pp

Safari summary

The 5 days climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route is one of the most popular and straightforward ways to reach the summit. Known as the “Coca Cola Route,” it is the only route with mountain huts instead of tents, offering basic but comfortable accommodation.

The trek starts at Marangu Gate and passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert as climbers spend nights at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts. The summit attempt begins at midnight from Kibo Hut, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise before descending back to Marangu Gate, completing an unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.


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
  • Photography safari—with professional guide
  • Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • All drinks
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

Arrival in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Kili Seasons Lodge

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

fter breakfast, you will be picked up from your lodge in Moshi and transferred to Marangu Gate for registration before beginning your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike starts through dense rainforest filled with rich vegetation and possible sightings of monkeys as you make your way to Mandara Hut. After resting, you may take a short walk to Maundi Crater to enjoy views toward Kenya. The trek covers about 8.3 km and takes around 5 hours. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

The trek continues on Mount Kilimanjaro, leaving the rainforest behind as you reach the timberline and enter the heath and moorland zone. The trail gradually climbs toward Horombo Hut at 3,700 m, a Journey that takes about 4–6 hours. Along the way , you will enjoy impressive views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Peak, and the vast Maasai Steppe below. The distance covered is approximately 12.5 km, with an estimated trekking time of about 9 hours. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today’s trek on Mount Kilimanjaro is long and demanding. The trail passes the “Last Water Point” before crossing the barren saddle between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. After about 5–6 hours of hiking, you will reach Kibo Hut. Enjoy an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt. Distance: 9.5 km, Approx. time: 7 hours. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Today is the summit day on Mount Kilimanjaro. Your climb begins around midnight from Kibo Hut, passing Hans Meyer Cave as you steadily ascend to Gillman's Point at sunrise. From here, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut. Distance: 22 km, Approx. time: 12–15 hours. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Horombo Huts

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The final descent on Mount Kilimanjaro continues through the heath and moorland zone to Mandara Hut for lunch, before entering the tropical rainforest on the way to Marangu Gate. After completing the trek, you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and transfer back to Moshi to relax and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro summit. Distance: 20.8 km, Approx. time: 8 hours. Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Kilimanjaro White House

Departure

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Here are the latest tours by Classic Journeys Tanzania.

Classic Tanzania Safari
From 3250.00 pp
5 days | Mid-range | Easy activity

Tour by: Classic Journeys Tanzania

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Classic Journeys Tanzania
From 7310.00 pp
12 days | Mid-range | Easy activity

Tour by: Classic Journeys Tanzania

Countries:

Tanzania flag

Focus: Game drives

Tour offered by:
Classic Journeys Tanzania
YAScore: 47/100
Based on 0 reviews

Overall rating
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff