5 Days Marangu
A choice with huts accommodation
The beauty of this 5 Days Marangu
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its series of strategically placed huts, is the oldest and most well-established route on Mount Kilimanjaro. This 5-day itinerary offers a straightforward and scenic climb, making it ideal for first-time trekkers with a good level of fitness. Here’s a glimpse into your rewarding adventure:
5 Days Marangu Itinerary
Full itinerary
Full itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (Highlight: Lush Rainforest)
- Your Kilimanjaro journey begins at Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft). After registration, you’ll start your trek through a lush rainforest teeming with colorful birds, monkeys, and an abundance of plant life. Keep an eye out for towering fig trees, vibrant wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls as you ascend to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft), your comfortable overnight accommodation.
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut (Highlight: Diverse Landscapes)
- Today’s trek offers a gradual ascent through increasingly diverse landscapes. Leaving the rainforest behind, you’ll enter the montane forest, characterized by towering trees and rich undergrowth. As you gain altitude, the landscape transitions to open moorland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your guides before reaching Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft), your overnight stop.
Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (Highlight: Summit Push Preparation)
- Today’s challenging trek tackles the ascent towards Kibo Crater, passing through the lunar-like landscape of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky and barren with minimal vegetation. Reaching Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,417ft), the highest point on the Marangu Route, signifies your preparation for the summit push the following night. Here, you’ll focus on getting crucial rest and mentally preparing for the climb.
Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut (Highlight: Summit Day & Descent)
- An early start marks the beginning of your pre-dawn summit push, typically starting around midnight. Headlamps will illuminate your path as you navigate challenging terrain in the darkness. The climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa, is demanding but incredibly rewarding. Witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds before beginning your descent back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest and overnight stay.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate (Highlight: Celebrate Your Triumph)
- Today marks the final leg of your journey. Descend through the diverse landscapes you encountered on your ascent, retracing your steps back to Marangu Gate. Enjoy the refreshing change in temperature as you return to the lush rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, celebrate your incredible accomplishment with your fellow climbers and guides. Receive your summit certificate and reflect on the unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Kilimanjaro cost Includes and Excludes
- All taxes, VAT and National Park conservation, park entry, hut and rescue fees as applicable.
- Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s at KINAPA minimum ratios.
- Personal luggage allowance of 15kg per person carried by 1 x luggage porter between huts.
- Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and Kilimanjaro Responsible Tourism Organization monitoring on Kilimanjaro treks for fair treatment standards. Learn More about fair treatment.
- Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter to prepare all meals on the mountain including eating utensils, cutlery, bowls, cups etc.
- A carefully planned standard non-vegetarian or vegetarian or gluten-free or vegan or Hindu or Jain or Halal menu specially crafted for high altitude treks.
- Pre-climb briefing / equipment check with the guide / tour consultant in Moshi (or optionally Arusha with a supplement).
- 1 x transfer from a Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) based lodge to park gates per group / 1 x transfer from park gates to Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) per group.
- Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onward).
- 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per 5 passengers and first aid kit.
- Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter.
- Hand washing station and small personal wash basin at huts.
- Shared public toilet facilities at huts.
- 1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack.
- Basic foam sleeping pad per person (provided by the National Park).
- Shared use of Mountain huts (sharing with other hikers, allocated by the National Park)
- A guaranteed participation medal and certificate from Shah Tours.
- A certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park (when you reach Stella Point, Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak)
- Tips / gratuities. Learn More about tipping.
- Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc. Learn More about beverages.
- International flights. Learn More about international airports.
- Insurance. Learn More about insurance.
- Visas. Learn More about visas.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Water on first day of trek (you should fill your bottle prior to the start of your hike).
- Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft / disposable plastics such as disposable bottled drinking water bottles are not permitted on the mountain).
Kilimanjaro cost Includes and Excludes
- Airport Transfers
- Hotel accommodation before and after safari
- Transportation and game drive in a private 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, Mini Fridge, and Charging Outlets.
- Professional and Experienced English-Speaking Safari Guide
- All National Parks fees and government taxes
- Accommodations during the safari
- All meals as written in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water and soft drinks in your vehicle throughout the safari
- Binoculars
- Alcoholic and soft drinks at your lodge/camp
- Local and International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal Items E.g Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities to your Safari Guide
- Laundry Service
- Anything else not mentioned in the “Inclusive”