5 Days Marangu Route Itinerary

Overview

The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most classic and popular path up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodations, making it a comfortable option for climbers. Over five days, you’ll journey through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and stark lunar landscapes before reaching the Roof of Africa – Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

Highlights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Marangu Gate & Trek to Mandara Hut (1,860m → 2,700m)

Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your adventure begins with registration at Marangu Gate, followed by a scenic trek through dense rainforest. Along the way, you may encounter blue monkeys and a variety of birdlife. The trail ascends steadily until you reach Mandara Hut, a cozy wooden lodge where you’ll spend your first night.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (2,700m → 3,720m)

Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the forest behind, the trail opens up to rolling moorlands dotted with giant lobelias and senecios. The views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks are breathtaking. After a full day of trekking, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut, where the mountain air grows thinner but the scenery even grander.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (3,720m → 4,700m)

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s route takes you into the alpine desert, a stark and rocky environment with sparse vegetation. The path is gradual but long, leading you toward Kibo Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest well — tomorrow is the big day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 4: Summit Day – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak & Descent to Horombo Hut (4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m)

Distance: ~21 km (round trip)
Hiking Time: 10–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Moorland
This is the toughest but most rewarding day. After a midnight wake-up, you’ll climb through switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, continue to Stella Point (5,756m) and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
After celebrating with photos and breathtaking views, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5: Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (3,720m → 1,860m)

Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest
A steady descent takes you back through the moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your well-earned summit certificate. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi/Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch