5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking through Marangu Route

5 days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking takes you to the summit through Marangu Route which is now referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route which makes most climbers think that it is an easy route to the summit of mt Kilimanjaro however this is far from the truth to be honest! The fact that this route requires a minimum of 5 days to complete, does not mean that it is easier than any other route. The only reason why hikers say it is easier is because it is the only route up where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents.

This is the only route where the ascent and descent route is shared, thus creating more traffic.

• Duration: 5 or 6 days
• Difficulty: Medium
• Scenery: Good
• Traffic: High

5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro trekking through Marangu Route

• Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
• Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
• Day 3: Horombo Huts- Kibo Huts: 10km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi-Desert
• Day 4: Kibo Huts – Summit
• Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi

Approx. time taken: 5 hours.

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft. Have hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, through heathland, looking for giant lobelias and groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch, to enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi. Arrive at the Horombo Huts late afternoon beneath the spectacular Kibo Summit viewpoint. Temperatures begin to drop.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Huts- Kibo Huts: 10km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Semi-Desert

After breakfast, we continue on through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. Here while we stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Day 4: Kibo Huts – Summit

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft and descent to 3690m/12,100ft. Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit in a switchback formation through trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion, we ascend through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rain-forest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi

Approx. time taken: 8 hours.

Included

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Park fees
• All activities
• All accommodation
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation
• All Taxes/VAT
• Meals
• Drinks

Excluded

• Climbing gear
• International flights
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips
• Personal items
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Some meals