Mount Kilimanjaro 5-day climb via the Marangu Route
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Trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in just 5 days via the amazing Marangu Route with one of our certified mountain guides to have an incredible time!
East African Mountains
5 Days
All year
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Traverse the classic Marangu Route to climb the iconic peak of Kilimanjaro.
- Witness stunning vistas of the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi as you scale.
- Sleep in comfortable mountain huts instead of tents during the trek.
Description
We’ll achieve the amazing feat of climbing the iconic peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895m) in just 5 days, so come, join us! Furthermore, we’ll get to the top via the classic Marangu Route, so there is no reason to miss this trip.
Also, known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, the Marangu Route is a favorite among hikers. But, just because it takes you to the peak in a short duration of 5 days, by no means it is an easy route.
The route offers an exciting and challenging climb and also has the added perk of making the hikers stay in comfortable mountain huts instead of tents. Also, it is best to arrive one day before the start date to get proper rest and gear up for the amazing adventure that lies ahead.
The trek is suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. For those of you who do not have previous trekking experience, it is recommended to extend the trip by a day at Horombo Huts for better acclimatization. We’ll book the huts well in advance so as to avoid any inconveniences later.
The journey will begin by picking you up from the airport and transferring you to your hotel in Moshi. The next day we’ll head towards the village of Marangu to begin our trek. The route takes us all the way to Kibo. You’ll be traversing a range of landscapes, from lush rain forest to moorland and alpine desert until you reach the peak.
All along you’ll be accompanied by mesmerizing views of towering peaks and it will be no less than an accomplishment to stand on the roof of Africa.
After, relishing our time on the top, we’ll get down via the same route, ending this incredible trip.
If this amazing journey to the top of Kilimanjaro interests you, send us a message now to book your tickets. You’ll have the time of your life! Also, check out our page for some more exciting adventures in Tanzania.
We also offer the option of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route in 6 days. Please find the prices for our extended Marangu route program detailed below and don’t hesitate to contact us to plan your adventure!
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival, we’ll pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your beautiful Park View Inn Hotel in Moshi.
You’ll spend the day relaxing by the pool and we’ll brief you about the trek.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, we’ll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walking through the rainforest, we’ll get to the Mandara encampment. You’ll see towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys on the way. A side trip to Maundi Crater will be a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8km/5mi
Habitat: Montane forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You’ll leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels on the way. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude from here.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we’ll now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. After dinner, we’ll take rest and prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Habitat: Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we’ll commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow, up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we’ll now ascend Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You’ll have unbelievable views at every turn on the way. After clicking a picture or two, we’ll descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
We’ll begin in dark in the light of our headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This by far will be the most difficult part of the trek. But your optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft • Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to trailhead, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through the lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8km/5mi
Habitat: Montane forest
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
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