5 Days 4 Nights Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour

5 Days / 4 Nights Max 5,895 m 50–65% Success Rate
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Overview – 5 Days Marangu Route

5 Days 4 Nights Marangu Route (also known as the “Coca-Cola Route”) is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers hut accommodation instead of camping, making it a popular choice for trekkers who prefer sleeping in dormitory-style huts.

The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast and follows the same path up and down. You pass through montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Because the ascent is relatively short, acclimatization time is limited, which is why the success rate is lower than longer itineraries.

This itinerary suits trekkers with good fitness who want a shorter climb and the comfort of mountain huts. Many climbers choose the 6-day version of Marangu for better acclimatization when possible.

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Upcoming Departure Dates

Join a scheduled group or request a private trek on any date.

Departure Return Status
16 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 Available Reserve Spot
02 Oct 2026 06 Oct 2026 Available Reserve Spot
19 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 Limited Reserve Spot
06 Nov 2026 10 Nov 2026 Available Reserve Spot
13 Dec 2026 17 Dec 2026 Available Reserve Spot
09 Jan 2027 13 Jan 2027 Available Reserve Spot

Private departures available any day. Message us on WhatsApp for custom dates.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut | 3–5 Hrs

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate (about 45 minutes). After registration and a final equipment check, you start trekking through the lush montane rainforest. The trail is well maintained and relatively gradual. You may see colobus monkeys and a variety of birdlife along the way. You arrive at Mandara Hut in the early afternoon and settle into the dormitory-style huts for your first night on the mountain.

Elevation: 1,860 m → 2,700 m  ·  Distance: 8 km  ·  Time: 3–5 hrs  ·  Habitat: Montane Forest  ·  Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut

After breakfast you leave the forest and continue climbing through the heath and moorland zone. The landscape opens up and you get your first clear views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail gradually gains elevation as you approach Horombo Hut. This is a longer day, so a steady pace is important. You arrive at Horombo in the afternoon and spend the night in the mountain huts.

Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,720 m  ·  Distance: 12 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Moorland  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut

Today you leave the moorland behind and enter the alpine desert. The vegetation becomes sparse and the air thinner. You pass the last water point and continue across the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi toward Kibo Hut. This is a tough day because of the altitude gain. After arriving at Kibo Hut (4,703 m) you rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 4,703 m  ·  Distance: 10 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Alpine Desert  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut

Summit day begins around midnight. You leave Kibo Hut in the darkness and climb slowly up the steep scree slopes toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. The pace is deliberately slow. From Gilman’s Point you continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, you begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.

Elevation: 4,703 m → 5,895 m → 3,720 m  ·  Distance: 6 km up / 15 km down  ·  Time: 6–8 hrs up / 4–6 hrs down  ·  Habitat: Stone Scree & Summit  ·  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Hotel

After breakfast you begin the final descent through the moorland and montane forest back to Marangu Gate. The trail is long but mostly downhill. At the gate you complete the park formalities and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. Your driver meets you and transfers you back to your hotel in Moshi. After five days on the Marangu Route you can finally relax, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate reaching the Roof of Africa.

Elevation: 3,720 m → 1,860 m  ·  Distance: 20 km  ·  Time: 5–7 hrs  ·  Habitat: Moorland & Forest  ·  Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Hut accommodation on the mountain
  • Conservation & hut fees
  • Transfers to and from the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Purified drinking water
  • Summit certificate
  • Guides, porters and cook salaries + park fees
  • VAT (18%)
  • Emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Rescue fees

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel (available as addon)
  • Tanzania Visa
  • 5% surcharge on card payments
  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers (available as addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Payment Terms

Deposit: 20% of the total booking amount, payable by bank transfer or card. A 5% fee applies on card payments (non-refundable).

Balance: Payable by bank transfer, card, or cash on arrival. Bank transfer is recommended 15–30 days before the tour. Card payments are accepted up to 1 day before departure.

Cancellation Policy

8 days or more before departure — No cancellation fees.

0–7 days before departure — 50% of the total tour price is charged. The trek can be postponed to a new date at no extra cost. Card surcharges remain non-refundable.

Supplements

  • Solo Supplement — USD 40 (year-round for solo trekkers)
  • Off-season Supplement — USD 120 (March, April, May, November for solo trekkers starting a new group)

Discounts

  • Children 5–15 years — USD 590 off (Code: 5TO15)
  • Expatriates / Residents in Tanzania — USD 210 off (Code: RESTAN)
  • East African Citizens — USD 750 off (Code: EAC)

Private Trek Pricing

  • 1 person — USD 1,780
  • 2 people — USD 1,680 per person
  • 3 people — USD 1,620 per person
  • 4 people — USD 1,560 per person
  • 5 people — USD 1,530 per person
  • 6 people — USD 1,510 per person
  • 7 people — USD 1,495 per person
  • 8 people — USD 1,485 per person
  • 9 people — USD 1,475 per person
  • 10+ people — USD 1,465 per person

Add-ons

Hotels

  • Lindrin Lodge (Single) — USD 55 / night
  • Lindrin Lodge (Double) — USD 70 / night
  • Keys Hotel (Single) — USD 69 / night
  • Keys Hotel (Double) — USD 94 / night
  • Parkview Inn (Single) — USD 81 / night
  • Parkview Inn (Double) — USD 91 / night
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders (Single) — USD 140 / night
  • Kilimanjaro Wonders (Double) — USD 160 / night

Gear

  • Private Toilet — USD 150
  • Thicker mattress — USD 10
  • Thermarest — USD 15

Transfers

  • JRO ↔ Moshi — USD 50 one way
  • Arusha ↔ Moshi — USD 100 one way

What to Know

Useful guides and information before your Kilimanjaro climb.

What Climbers Say

★★★★★

“The hut accommodation was comfortable and the guides were excellent. The 5-day schedule is tough but well organised. Reached the summit successfully.”

Sarah M. United Kingdom · March 2025
★★★★★

“Good value for a shorter itinerary. The team took care of everything and the food was better than expected. Highly recommend for those short on time.”

James T. United States · September 2025
★★★★★

“Clear path, well-maintained huts, and professional support. Sunrise at the summit was unforgettable. Thank you to the whole team.”

Anna K. Germany · January 2026