5 Days Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Via Marangu Route 2022/2023

Overview

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.

However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.

Detailed Itinerary of the Trip

Arrival: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Welcome to Tanzania - The Trip of Your Lifetime!

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris Hotel or similar hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
1

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest
2

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heathland
3

Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “Moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft

Distance: 9km/5.5mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert
4

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “Pole Pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert
5

Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch included

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

What’s Included

What’s Included Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables) All taxes, All entrances fees, and service fees included Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide Full board accommodation on the mountain All oxygen cylinder - only for emergency VAT (18% charged by the Government) Mountain crew (cook and porters) First aid kit and pulse oximeter All specified accommodation	What’s Excluded Gratuities for Mountain crew (please tip separately) Drinks and beverages in the Camps Expenses of a personal Nature International & Domestic Flights Medical Insurance if needed Meals not specified Laundry service Sleeping bags Visa fees

Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)

All taxes, All entrances fees, and service fees included

Services of Experienced Professional Tour guide

Full board accommodation on the mountain

All oxygen cylinder - only for emergency

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Mountain crew (cook and porters)

First aid kit and pulse oximeter

All specified accommodation

What’s Excluded

Gratuities for Mountain crew (please tip separately)

Drinks and beverages in the Camps

Expenses of a personal Nature

International & Domestic Flights

Medical Insurance if needed

Meals not specified

Laundry service

Sleeping bags

Visa fees

MOUNT KILIMANJARO - AFRICA’S HIGHEST PEAK

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain, standing at an impressive 5,895m above sea level. Kilimanjaro forms part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is located in Tanzania near the Kenyan Border in East Africa and and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world!