Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route 5 Days

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Ground transfers with pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro airport and the base hotel in Moshi
Park entrance fees,
Camping/Hut fees
Rescue fees,
Emergency Oxygen at no extra charge
Medical/First Aid Kit.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter to measure clients oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
24-hour standby radio Communication
3 litres of Mineral water on the first day per client
Hot meals (except the first day) are served in the mess tent.
4 season sleeping tents
2 inches mattress, 1 per client
Professional Mountain Guide, Park Fees and Salaries
Porters,
First and last night accommodation
Flying Doctor membership cover
Forest fees for clients and crews

Cost Excludes

Personal gear and climbing equipment
Eping bags
Drinks
Tipping and all
Other expenses of a personal nature.

Overview

Itinerary

Checklist

Price

FAQs

Map

Overview

Marangu route which is also known as the coca cola route is the least expensive route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds.

The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.

There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.

This route is usually done in 5 days (shortest route to the summit) but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi

Tour Highlights

Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Marangu Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
Trip Availability: All year round.

Day 01 :

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport; after clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to Moshi town for overnight bed & breakfast.

Overnight: Ameg Lodge or similar on bed & breakfast basis

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 02 :

Mandara Huts

Kilimanjaro’s snowcapped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises to an impressive 5896 meters above sea level. It is one of the world’s highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth, making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views, or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, duikers, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys, and more.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Marangu Gate. Meet your guide, and after the formalities, start hiking from Marangu Gate (1800 m). The hike is 3 to 5 hours through a fascinating rainforest to Mandara Hut (2700 m). Blue, Black, and White Colobus monkeys are sometimes seen. Look for a tiny flower called Impatiens Kilimanjaro, endemic to Kilimanjaro. Picnic lunch en route. Optional hike to Maundi Crater (45 min) or rest upon arrival at Mandara Hut. Afternoon tea, dinner, and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Overnight: Mandara Huts

This campsite is set in a forest along the Marangu Route. Mandara Huts can accommodate up to 60 campers at a time. The campsite relies on solar lighting and features a dining hall and restroom facilities.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 :

Horombo Hut

After breakfast start hiking to Horombo Hut (3700 m). Leave the last glades of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Today’s hike takes 5 to 7 hours.

Picnic lunch en route. The altitude begins to make itself felt, cautioning you to walk slowly. “Pole pole” (slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and panoramic views of Kibo massif. Giant Senecios stand guard along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Weather: warm in the morning but cooler in the afternoon when clouds gather. Wear shorts, a T-shirt and hiking boots. Carry a long-sleeved shirt in the day path for the cool winds.

Water: fill water bottles at Mandara Hut. There is a stream halfway to Horombo Hut.

Overnight: Horombo Hut

The Horombo Huts are set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a ranger office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 :

Kibo Hut

Hike slowly (6 hours) to Kibo Hut. Today leave the moorland and enter the alpine desert past giant lobelia and traversing the saddle that buttresses Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Packed lunch along the way. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Weather: It is cooler as the altitude has increased. Long trousers and long sleeved shirt. Thin jacket or jumper in the day pack.

Water: fill up bottles at Horombo Hut. 2 hours from Horombo Hut is the last water sign. The porters will bring water for tea and the hike in the early morning.

Overnight: Kibo Hut

Kibo is a little basecamp set in the Kilimanjaro National Park. Climbers set camp here before leaving for Uhuru Peak. Accommodation at Kibo is provided in dormitory rooms that cater to 60 people in a stone house.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 :

Horombo Hut

Start around 2 a.m., reaching Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb, zig-zagging slowly up steep scree. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Descend to Kibo and Horombo Hut with the total walk being between 10 and 15 hours.

Meals and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Weather: cold; effects of high altitude are felt. Wear everything you bring.

Water: the porters have carried extra water to Kibo. Ask them, and they will fill your bottles.

Overnight: Horombo Hut

The Horombo Huts & Campsite is set along the Marangu Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This site can accommodate up to 120 campers spread across a mix of cabins and tents. Facilities include a kitchen for cooking, a dining area, and a rangers office. Guests will also have access to an abundant water source near the campsite.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 :

Marangu Gate - Arusha

Descend to Marangu Gate. It is easier to go down than up but today is a sustained descent of 5 hours. I packed lunch on the way down. After clearing all the paperwork at the gate, you will be transferred to Ameg Lodge for overnight bed & breakfast.

Overnight: Ameg Lodge or similar on bed & breakfast

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 07 :

End of Itinerary

Transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

FAQs

Expand all

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.

How long is the hike?

There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru Peak. You will hike between 53 and 73 km, depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.

What kind of experience do I need?

None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

Do you offer private and fully customizable climbs for Kilimanjaro

Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.

How many hours will I trek each day?

On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.

Will I see wildlife?

Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.

What kind of food will I eat?

Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!

What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?

Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.

Do you arrange airport pick up & Drop off?

Yes, we do arrange this. Please send your request to Safari.

What travel documents do I need?

You will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.

Where is Kilimanjaro?

The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.

How high is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.

Do we tip the hiking crew?

Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $350 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew.