Mountain Climbing

5 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Shortest hut-based route, rapid ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Difficulty

Challenging

Group Size

1-12 People

Tour Overview

The classic Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola Route", is the only Kilimanjaro path with hut accommodations instead of tents. It's the shortest standard route but challenging due to rapid ascent, offering lower acclimatization time. Ideal for those with limited days, but success rate is ~60-70% without extra acclimatization. Starts from southeast, descends same path.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m). Trek through lush rainforest teeming with birds and monkeys to Mandara Hut (2,700m). Distance: 8km, Time: 4-5 hours, Elevation gain: 840m.

Accommodation

Mandara Hut

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Highlights

Rainforest wildlife, Blue monkeys, Waterfall side trail

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Ascend through moorland with giant heathers and views of Mawenzi peak to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Distance: 12km, Time: 6-8 hours, Elevation gain: 1,020m.

Accommodation

Horombo Hut

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights

Moorland flora, First Kibo views, Acclimatization walks

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Cross the Saddle (alpine desert) between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks to Kibo Hut (4,703m). Rest early for summit. Distance: 10km, Time: 6-8 hours, Elevation gain: 983m.

Accommodation

Kibo Hut

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights

Saddle crossing, Lava formations, Summit preparation

Day 4: Summit Day: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Midnight start: Steep switchbacks to Gilman's Point (5,681m), then crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Descend to Horombo. Distance: 21km, Time: 12-15 hours, Elevation: +1,192m / -2,175m.

Accommodation

Horombo Hut

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights

Uhuru summit, Sunrise over Africa, Crater views

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Rapid descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m). Receive certificates, transfer to hotel. Distance: 20km, Time: 5-7 hours, Elevation loss: 1,860m.

Accommodation

None

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights

Descent celebration, Forest farewell, Summit certificate