5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
Climb Kilimanjaro Marangu Route in 5 days. Pass Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts while reaching Uhuru Peak through stunning terrains for $1550 Per person
Cost from $1550 per person
PRICE
$ 1550 PER PERSON
ALTITUDE
5895 M
LENGTH
5 DAYS
ACCOMMODATION
HUTS
DIFFICULTY
CHALLENGING
Route Overview
Experience an unforgettable trip with our 5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing. Take on one of Africa’s tallest mountains and enjoy the stunning scenery as you climb the renowned summit. Our carefully designed schedule balances challenge and enjoyment, letting you appreciate Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystems. Each day delivers fresh sights and triumphs, from lush rainforests at the base to strange lunar-like views at higher heights. Our Marangu Route-savvy guides provide interesting comments and ensure your safety throughout the trip. This climb appeals to adventurers and nature lovers with nice accommodations and well-planned rest stations.
Itinerary in detail
Day 0 : Arrival
Welcome to Tanzania! When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your driver will welcome you. Upon arriving at the lodge, a full briefing and equipment check will take place, providing you with crucial information for climbing Kilimanjaro in the coming days. You have the afternoon free.
Meals
None
Drinks
Drinking Water
Transport
Min-Van
Day 1 : Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m)
Hiking time: 3-4 h | Distance: approx. 7 km | Altitude difference: approx. 860 m ↑ | Effort: Moderate
The trek passes through Marangu, a mountain town on the lower slopes. After entering the park, hikers must check in at the park office and prepare for the climb. Porters will pack their packs with food, water, cooking gas, and most of your gear.
From the park gate, we ascend a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest to see most Kilimanjaro animals. Some minutes after the gate, a more scenic parallel forest route breaks off to the left. This track follows a creek through the woods and rejoins the main trail after 1.5 hours or 1 hour before Mandara hut, where you will spend the night.
Mandara hut has wooden A-framed cottages in a woodland clearing. Each hut has 6-8 solar-lit bunks. The camp holds 60 climbers. Springs above supply water to the camp, and flush toilets are behind the main hut.
Day 2: Mandara Huts (2,720 m) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m)
The trail leads from Mandara hut through a brief section of woodland, around the edge of the Maundi Crater, and then into a transitional area between rain forest and moorland. For your first breathtaking glimpse of the Kibo Crater, it is well worth the brief detour to climb the rim of the Maundi Crater. Kibo will shine in the distance on a clear day, and the morning sun will provide views of magnificent glaciers.
The locally grown big lobelia, which can grow up to 3 meters in height, and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which may grow up to 5 meters, are two of Kilimanjaro’s most striking plants that you can view once you’re in the open moorland. You arrive at the Horombo hut for your lodging after a about 6-hour hike from here.
Elevation: 2720m/8875ft to 3720m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Day 3 : Horombo Huts (3,720 m) – Kibo Huts (4,700 m)
The stage that we are on today is lengthy and challenging. The trail, which has been constructed quite well, goes via the “Last Water point” and then continues on to the so-called “saddle.” This plateau, which is almost completely bare of vegetation, connects the main summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Our target for the day is the Kibo Hut, which can often be reached in approximately five to six hours. In this location, you will have a supper in the early evening, and then you will go to bed early because the night will be relatively short.
Elevation: 3720m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 : Kibo Huts (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m)
The summit stage, or “The Big Day,” is today. It will be a lengthy and difficult climb, and you will start the last one about midnight. At 5220m, the climb gradually but steadily ascends past the Hans Meyer Cave. You will arrive at Gillman’s Point (5681m), the Kilimanjaro crater rim, at daybreak, when the light will begin to gradually warm the ground. After another hour or two of hiking, you will have quickly forgotten the night’s chill and arrive at Uhuru Peak, which is 5895 meters above sea level. A hot supper is waiting for you when you return to Kibo Hut, after which you will have a one to two hour break before continuing on down to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3720m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 : Horombo Huts (3,720 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha
Following breakfast, make your way steadily down the moorland to Mandara Hut. From there, follow a route through a verdant woodland to the gate of Marangu National Park. It could be muddy and rainy at lower elevations. At Marangu gate, a car will be ready to take you back to your Arusha or Moshi hotel.
Elevation: 3720m/12,200ft to 1720m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions About this Route
How difficult is the Marangu Route
Despite being a shorter journey over relatively simple terrain, we classify the Marangu route as tough.
With fewer days, your body has less time to react to the change in altitude. This means you’re at a higher risk of altitude sickness.
The 6 day Marangu route has a summit success rate of approximately 70%.
This is substantially better than the 5-day Marangu climb, which has an estimated summit success rate of 30% (I do not like those chances!).
The Marangu route spans 82 kilometers (50 miles).
Where to Sleep during the Climbing
The Marangu Route along Mount Kilimanjaro offers basic hut accommodation managed by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority.
The dorm-style hut accommodations are shared. There are 60 bunk beds in each of the huts at Mandara (Day 1) and Kibo (Day 4).
Since most hikers stay here for two nights, Horombo has twice as much space. 120 people can sleep in horombo huts.
Both shared public restrooms and common dining spaces are available at the huts. Unheard of on the other paths, the lower lodges offer flushing toilets! However, this gradually shifts to long drops as you get higher.
What scenery will I see on the Marangu Route?
The Marangu route ascends through the rainforest, moorlands, and alpine areas before ending in the glacial zone. This trek is very beautiful and is the only route that allows you to descend the same way you ascended.
Climate and Weather Conditions
The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro undergoes both dry and wet seasons, with the dry season (January to March, July to October) widely regarded as the most suitable time to climb. During this time, there is less rain, clearer skies, and milder daytime temperatures.
The rainy season (April-June, November-December) provides more rain, higher humidity, and muddy pathways. The optimum time to climb is determined by personal tastes, with the dry season offering better weather and visibility and the wet season providing a quieter trekking experience.
It is critical to carry layered clothing, rain gear, warm clothing, sun protection, and hydration regardless of the season. Consult your tour operator or guides for the most recent weather forecasts and plan your hike appropriately.
Meals on the Hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will prepare and serve your breakfasts, lunches, and meals during the trip. The menu has been created in collaboration with a professional nutritionist to guarantee that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the required nourishment.
Is Marangu a busy route?
Because Marangu is one of the most popular routes due to its ease of climb, expect it to be a busy and congested route.
So, if you despise being in enormous crowds, the Marangu route isn’t for you.
2 PEOPLE
$1550
3 PEOPLE
$
4 PEOPLE
$
5 PEOPLE
$
6 PEOPLE
$
Price inclusions
Price
Includes
- 2 nights hotel accommodation before and after your climb on bed & breakfast basis
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, and climbing fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees – Part of the National Park
- High-quality mess and sleeping tents with a comfortable foam mattress
- Camping fees
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- Healthy & Clean Meals
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National
- Mountain climbing certificates
- Porter to carry your duffel bag
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Emergency first-aid kit
Price
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Domestic Flights
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tipping the Guides and Porters
- Snacks on the mountain
- Your personal trekking gears
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
- Sleeping Bags
- Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included
Optional extras available at a surcharge:
- Self-inflatable mattresses (additional to the basic mattress)
- Sleepings bags for low temperatures
- Walking poles
- Additional oxygen cylinder package
- Overnight stay at Crater Camp
- Additional clothes and equipment on request
- Portable chemical toilet
You May Also Like
6 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
Marangu Route, commonly known as the Coca Cola route is more popular because it can be done in fewer days and has permanent sleep huts at the campsites.
Cost from $1900 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro
7 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
Uhuru peak stands at 5895m (19,340ft), and its name is the Swahili word for freedom. There are seven routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, which range in difficulty. Roughly half of the climbers choose the Machame Route because it offers stunning views.
Cost from $1900 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro
8 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Lemosho Route is a lovely and unspoiled route, with an armed ranger on the first day of the walk. The forests near the Lemosho Glades are home to buffalo, elephants, and other species. It’s possible that you’ll see them along the way.
Cost from $2150 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro
7 Days Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.
Cost from $1900 per person
Mount Kilimanjaro
Why You SHOULD BOOK WITH US
- Your safety is our Number 1 Priority
- There is no Hidden Costs
- Quickest response time
- We take pride in having knowledgeable, experienced, and genuinely caring guides
- Successful summits
- Hot meals during the climbing
- Local Registered Tour Operator in Tanzania
- Competitive Prices
100% Tailored Safaris
No matter if you’re an individual, couple, family, or group, Meijo Safaris is here to assist you in planning your itinerary and guaranteeing that you have an incredible experience in Africa with complete confidence and peace of mind.
DAUDI MOLLEL
Safari Specialist
Experienced Safari Experts
You will have the opportunity to plan your journey with knowledgeable Mountain Climbing Specialist who will guide you every step of the way. Embrace a life where you can dedicate more time to living the experience, rather than getting caught up in researching, worrying, and comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many queries regarding traveling to this amazing destinations some of which we have tried to answer in our Kilimanjaro Climbing Faq's
Mountain Packing List
If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on safari, this packing list below can help to be well prepared and comfortable during your adventure
Terms & Conditions
Making a booking with Meijo Safaris is taken as acceptance by the customer of these Terms and Conditions