5 Days Marangu Trek
Trekking Overview
The Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the oldest and most popular trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. With its gradual ascent and dormitory-style hut accommodations, it is considered the easiest and most comfortable route. However, it is also the most crowded, as both ascent and descent follow the same path. An additional acclimatization day is highly recommended to increase summit success. While the route is less scenic compared to others, it is a good choice during the rainy season due to the sheltered huts.
Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Your trek begins after breakfast with a transfer to Marangu Gate for registration. From here, you’ll hike through a dense rainforest, home to unique plants and wildlife like colobus monkeys. The lush greenery and fresh air make this part of the trek serene and enjoyable.- Distance: 8.3 km (5.2 mi)
- Time: ~5 Hours
- Elevation: 1,860m (6,102 ft) to 2,700m (8,858 ft)
- Highlights: Lush rainforest teeming with wildlife and unique vegetation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
This day starts with a hearty breakfast before entering the heath and moorland zone. The scenery changes dramatically, with rolling hills, heather shrubs, and open landscapes replacing the forest. The trail is moderate but longer than Day 1.- Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 mi)
- Time: ~9 Hours
- Elevation: 2,700m (8,858 ft) to 3,700m (12,139 ft)
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo, and the Masai steppe.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
This section is more challenging, leading to the Kibo Hut, located at the base of Kilimanjaro’s crater wall. You’ll pass the “Last Water Point” and traverse the barren, rocky Saddle, a high-altitude plateau with minimal vegetation.- Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
- Time: ~7 Hours
- Elevation: 3,700m (12,139 ft) to 4,700m (15,419 ft)
- Highlights: Crossing the Saddle, a barren yet striking alpine desert.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Back to Horombo Hut
This is the most demanding day of the trek, starting around midnight for the final ascent. The trail is steep and rocky, with the cold and thin air adding to the difficulty.- Distance: ~6.5 km (~4 miles)
- Time: 12–15 Hours
- Elevation: 4,700m (15,419 ft) to 5,895m (19,341 ft), then back to 3,700m (12,139 ft)
- Highlights: Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point, with breathtaking views.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
The final descent leads back to Marangu Gate through the heath and rainforest zones. This is an easier day with gentler slopes, offering a chance to reflect on your accomplishment.- Distance: 20.8 km (12.9 mi)
- Time: ~8 Hours
- Elevation: 3,700m (12,139 ft) to 1,860m (6,102 ft)
- Highlights: Descent through heath and rainforest zones.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
