5 Days Marangu Route: The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Climbing Kilimanjaro (5,895m) offers stunning views and a sense of achievement.
The 5 Days Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the most popular option, offering hut accommodations for a more comfortable experience.
This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about the Marangu Route, including its unique features, the success rate, the challenges you may face, a step-by-step itinerary, and the costs involved. Whether you're preparing physically or financially, this guide will help you get ready for the climb of a lifetime
What Makes the 5-Day Marangu Route Unique?
The 5-Day Marangu Route is a popular path on Kilimanjaro, known for its accessibility and comfort. As the oldest and one of the most established routes, it offers a direct approach to the summit with steady, manageable inclines.
Spanning approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles), it is the only route that provides hut accommodations, making it an attractive option for climbers seeking comfort. These huts offer shelter, particularly during the rainy season, although they remain basic.
Key Features of the 5-Day Marangu Route:
- Beginner-Friendly: This route is the most accessible, with gradual slopes and well-maintained paths, making it ideal for first-time climbers.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Huts with basic facilities replace tents, ensuring a more comfortable stay. Expect shared spaces and simple amenities.
- Scenic Diversity: The route takes you through five unique climate zones in just five days, ranging from lush rainforests to arctic landscapes, offering diverse and stunning views.
- Short Duration: The route is perfect for those with limited time, as it can be completed in just five days.
- Rainy Season Option: The huts provide shelter from the elements, making this route a solid choice even during the wet season.
While the 5-Day Marangu Route is the most beginner-friendly option, it still presents challenges, primarily due to the limited time for acclimatization, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Is the 5-Day Marangu Route Challenging?
While the 5-Day Marangu Route is the easiest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit, it’s still a physically demanding climb that requires mental toughness. The main challenge is the limited time for acclimatization, which increases the likelihood of altitude sickness.
Challenges to Expect:
- Altitude Effects: The thin air at higher elevations may cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue, with less time to adjust to the altitude.
- Long Trekking Hours: Daily hikes last 4–8 hours, with summit day lasting up to 15 hours, demanding high physical endurance.
- Changing Climates: The route takes you through a range of climates, from warm rainforests to freezing arctic zones. Prepare for drastic temperature shifts.
While this route is ideal for those in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the challenges of altitude and endurance, understanding the risks and preparing accordingly is key to success.
Marangu route 5 days kilimanjaro climbing price/cost
The cost of climbing kilimanjaro via marangu route in 5 days is $1,230 per person, This is the most affordable price to climb kilimanjaro in 2025-2026.
marangu route 5 days Itinerary
Overview: Your adventure begins with an early breakfast in Moshi. After breakfast, you will be driven to the Marangu Gate (1,860m), where you will complete your registration and get ready to begin your trek. This is the most commonly used starting point for the Kilimanjaro climb due to its relatively moderate ascent. The trek begins with a walk through lush, dense rainforest, where you'll be able to spot various species of flora and fauna. You’ll trek for 3-4 hours, gradually ascending to the Mandara Hut (2,700m), located in the lower moorland zone. Enjoy your dinner and settle in for a peaceful night under the stars.
Distance: Approximately 8km, 3-4 hours hike
Elevation Gain: 840 meters
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Huts with basic facilities including beds, a dining area, and toilet facilities)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (provided by the guides and chefs on the mountain)
Key Points: Rainforest, occasional wildlife sightings such as monkeys, birds, and endemic species.
Overview: After a nutritious breakfast, you’ll begin today’s trek through the heath and moorland zone. The terrain opens up with stunning panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. As you ascend through the diverse vegetation zones, you’ll notice the landscape changing from the lush rainforest to the more exposed moorland. The hike is moderately challenging, taking about 5-6 hours to reach Horombo Hut (3,720m), where you'll spend the night. This day is important for acclimatization as you’ll be gaining significant altitude.
Distance: Approximately 12km, 5-6 hours hike
Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (A larger hut with more amenities than Mandara, with basic facilities and comfortable sleeping arrangements)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (served in the dining area)
Key Points: Moorland zone, views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, acclimatization.
Overview: Today’s hike takes you through the alpine desert, where vegetation becomes sparse and the air begins to thin. This is one of the most challenging days, as the terrain becomes steep and exposed. The hike takes around 5-6 hours, and you’ll be walking on a mix of rocky terrain, scree, and loose volcanic ash. Upon reaching Kibo Hut (4,700m), the base camp for your summit attempt, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and prepare for your final ascent. It’s important to hydrate and conserve energy for the next day’s midnight trek.
Distance: Approximately 9km, 5-6 hours hike
Elevation Gain: 980 meters
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Basic shelter offering beds, dining area, and toilet facilities)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (prepared by the mountain crew)
Key Points: Alpine desert, striking volcanic landscape, thin air, preparation for summit night.
Overview: The summit day begins with a midnight start. After a light meal, you’ll start the trek to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), the first major stop on your ascent. The path is steep, and the temperature drops significantly as you climb. Upon reaching Gilman’s Point, you’ll continue to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! Take a moment to celebrate and capture stunning photos at the peak before beginning your descent. The descent is equally challenging, as you will return to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. This is a long and strenuous day, but the sense of achievement makes it worth every step.
Distance: Approximately 16km, 12-15 hours total trek (summit and descent)
Elevation Gain: 1,195 meters to Uhuru Peak
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Rest for the night after descending from the summit)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (served at Horombo Hut)
Key Points: Summit attempt, Gilman’s Point, Uhuru Peak, steep descent.
Overview: After a well-deserved rest at Horombo Hut, you’ll begin your descent back to the Marangu Gate. The descent through the lush rainforest is much easier than the previous days, and you will have the opportunity to reflect on your journey. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your summit certificate as a recognition of your achievement. Your driver will then transfer you back to Moshi, where you can enjoy a celebratory meal and rest after your extraordinary accomplishment.
Distance: Approximately 20km, 5-6 hours descent
Elevation Loss: 1,220 meters
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (with a celebratory dinner included)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Hotel dinner included)
Key Points: Rainforest, relaxed descent, summit certificate, celebration in Moshi.
Price included
- Professional Guides: Experienced guides with expertise in the Kilimanjaro climb.
- Accommodation: Comfortable mountain huts or camps along the Lemosho Route.
- Meals: Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per the itinerary.
- Transportation: Transfers between the airport, hotels, and Lemosho Gate.
- Park Fees: All necessary park entry and camping fees.
- Drinking Water: Bottled water provided during the trek.
Price Excluded
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Tanzania.
- Visas: Entry visas to Tanzania.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for medical emergencies and unexpected incidents.
- Personal Expenses: Items such as tips, souvenirs, and laundry.
- Age restrictions: The Kilimanjaro climb is suitable for ages 10-70, with prior fitness levels recommended.
A deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Climbers must be in good health and should provide medical clearance if necessary. Luggage is limited to one checked bag and one carry-on. Special requests must be communicated at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Joining Group | Best Packages 2025 | 2026
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Trek Difficulty:
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Value for money:
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Organization:
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"The 5-day Marangu Route was an unforgettable adventure. The climb was challenging but rewarding, and the guides provided excellent support throughout the journey."
"A fantastic trek on the Marangu Route! The scenery was breathtaking, and the hut accommodations made the experience comfortable. Highly recommend this route!"
"The 5-day Marangu Route was a thrilling experience! The well-paced itinerary helped with acclimatization, and reaching Uhuru Peak was absolutely worth it."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route is one of the most well-known and frequently used routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. It is often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route" because of its easier ascent compared to other routes on the mountain. The route is also known for offering comfortable hut accommodations at each camp, making it the only route that does not require camping. This route is generally considered the most straightforward and accessible for climbers, especially for those seeking a more gradual ascent. It begins at Marangu Gate and ascends through a variety of ecological zones, including lush rainforests and alpine deserts, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.
2. How difficult is the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route is considered moderate in difficulty. The route’s gradual ascent makes it easier compared to more challenging routes like the Machame or Lemosho routes, which involve steeper terrain. However, altitude still plays a significant factor, and it is important to properly acclimatize to prevent altitude sickness. While the trek may not be as physically demanding in terms of elevation gain, the final ascent to Uhuru Peak requires a steep climb, especially during the night of the summit attempt. Proper physical preparation and mental toughness are key to successfully completing the route.
3. What is the accommodation like on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route is unique in that it provides hut accommodations throughout the entire trek. Climbers stay in basic but functional huts at each of the camps along the route: Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut. These huts provide bunk beds with mattresses, a dining area, and some basic facilities like pit latrines. While the huts are simple, they provide shelter from the elements, which makes the Marangu Route ideal for climbers who prefer not to camp. It is important to note that the huts can get crowded, especially during peak climbing seasons, so early booking is recommended.
4. How long does the Marangu Route take?
The Marangu Route typically takes 5 days to complete. This includes adequate time for acclimatization, which is crucial for preventing altitude sickness. The itinerary usually consists of one day to reach Mandara Hut, a second day to Horombo Hut, a third day to Kibo Hut, followed by the summit attempt on the fourth day, and a descent back to Marangu Gate on the fifth day. Some climbers opt for a 6-day version of the Marangu Route, which allows for additional time for acclimatization and may increase the chances of a successful summit.
5. Is the Marangu Route safe?
Yes, the Marangu Route is considered safe, but safety largely depends on proper planning and preparation. The route is well-established, with qualified guides and porters available to assist climbers. To ensure safety, it is essential to follow the guide’s instructions, maintain a slow and steady pace, and stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is key to avoiding altitude sickness, which is why the route includes sufficient time for this process. Climbers should also be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and report any discomfort immediately. In addition, it is recommended to book with a reputable tour operator that follows safe climbing practices and ensures that all safety protocols are in place.
6. What should I pack for the Marangu Route?
When packing for the Marangu Route, it is essential to bring the right gear to ensure comfort and safety during the climb. Some of the key items include:
- Warm clothing for the cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes (layers are best)
- Waterproof gear to protect against rain and wind
- Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support
- A sleeping bag rated for cold weather (since the nights can get very chilly)
- A headlamp with extra batteries for the summit attempt, which starts at night
- Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the sun’s UV rays
- A first aid kit, including personal medications
- Snacks to maintain energy levels throughout the day
- A hydration system (camelbak or water bottles)
7. What is the best time to climb the Marangu Route?
The best time to climb the Marangu Route is during the dry seasons, which occur between late June and October and again from late December to February. These months offer the clearest weather conditions, with lower chances of rain, making trekking conditions more favorable. Climbers should avoid the rainy seasons (from March to May) as heavy rainfall can make the trails slippery and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Keep in mind that the Marangu Route is popular, especially during the dry season, so it's advisable to book your trek well in advance to secure your spot.
