5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb (Marangu Route)



Duration
5 Days
Group size
Up to 15
Activity
Difficult
Meeting point
Includes private pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Moshi, Arusha, or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), with the trek starting and ending at Marangu Gate.
About this experience
Conquer Africa’s highest peak via the classic 5-Day Marangu Route (popularly known as the "Coca-Cola Route"). This iconic trail ascends the southeastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a scenic progression through five distinct ecological zones—from lush tropical rainforest to arctic glaciers. Marangu is renowned as the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that features permanent wooden hut accommodations throughout the trek, making it an ideal choice for hikers who prefer sleeping indoors. Day-by-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Moshi/Arusha to Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Mandara Hut (2,700m) Activities: Morning pick-up from your hotel and drive to Marangu Gate for registration and park permits. Begin a gradual 3 to 4-hour hike through lush montane rainforest filled with thick vegetation, giant ferns, and wildlife like colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Mandara Hut, enjoy an optional 15-minute walk to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Accommodation: Mandara Hut (A-frame wooden huts with bunk beds & mattresses) Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m) Activities: Emerge from the rainforest canopy into the open heathland and moorland zone. Hike 5 to 6 hours (12 km) along rolling hills, passing unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels. Enjoy unobstructed views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and the snow-capped summit of Kibo ahead. Accommodation: Horombo Hut (A-frame wooden huts with bunk beds & mattresses) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,703m) Activities: Trek 5 to 6 hours (9 km) across the stark, wind-swept alpine desert known as the "Saddle"—the barren landscape connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut by early afternoon to rest, hydrate, receive a detailed summit briefing, pack gear, and enjoy an early dinner before sleeping prior to the midnight summit push. Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Dormitory-style stone hut with bunk beds) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4: Summit Day – Kibo Hut (4,703m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) & Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720m) Activities: Wake around 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits. Begin the steep, midnight zigzag ascent up scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim at sunrise. Continue 1 to 2 hours along the snow-covered crater edge past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the roof of Africa! Celebrate and capture photo memories at the summit, then descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and hot brunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Horombo Hut (A-frame wooden huts with bunk beds & mattresses) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m) & Transfer to Moshi/Arusha Activities: Complete a steady 5 to 6-hour (20 km) descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate. Collect your official TANAPA summit certificates (Gold for Uhuru Peak, Silver for Gilman's Point), celebrate with your guide and porter team, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/Arusha (Pre/Post-trek lodging arranged separately) Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Highlights
- Family Friendly
- Private Tour
- Photography
- Nature
- hikking
- Climbing
What's included
- Round-trip private transfers (Moshi/Arusha hotel or JRO airport)
- Professional certified TANAPA mountain guides, chef, and porters
- All Mount Kilimanjaro National Park entry, conservation, and hut fees
- Mandatory mountain emergency rescue fees
- Mountain hut accommodation (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
- Freshly prepared meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Purified drinking water and daily hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate)
- Official TANAPA summit completion certificate
- Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew (guides, chef, porters)
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag (available for hire)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb in Moshi/Arusha
- Mandatory travel, medical, and high-altitude insurance
- International/domestic flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks
Policies & safety
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following cancellation fee schedule applies based on when notice is received: 60+ days before arrival: 90% refund (10% retained). 30–59 days before arrival: 50% refund (50% retained). Less than 30 days before arrival: Non-refundable (100% retained). Booking & Deposit Terms: A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid at least 30 days before tour commencement. Bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment immediately.
Safety notes
High-Altitude Medical Safety: Trekking to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) poses risks of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Maintain a slow, steady pace (pole pole), drink 3–4 liters of water daily, and undergo daily pulse oximeter health checks with your head guide. Mandatory Travel & Medical Insurance: Clients are strictly required to possess comprehensive international travel insurance that explicitly covers medical emergencies, high-altitude trekking up to 6,000 meters, and helicopter evacuation. Mandatory Gear & Clothing: Essential personal gear includes a four-season sleeping bag (rated to -10°C/14°F), thermal base layers, waterproof outer shell, insulated jacket, sturdy broken-in hiking boots, headlamp, and trekking poles. Physical Fitness Prep: Requires strong cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Pre-trip preparation through hiking, running, or stair-climbing training is highly recommended. Park Regulations & Rescue: Guests must adhere to all TANAPA park regulations and guide instructions at all times. Emergency mountain evacuation and rescue protocols are managed by qualified rangers and your head guide.
Your guide

Petro Paul Mihambo
VerifiedTrekking, Wildlife Safaris, Cultural Tours, Adventure, Photography, Zanzibar beach holidays

