5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with KLA Adventures
Overview
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established path up Mount Kilimanjaro, often called the “Coca-Cola Route.” Known for its gentle slopes and dormitory-style huts, it is considered the easiest way to the summit. However, climbers who take only five days face lower chances of success due to limited acclimatization time — we highly recommend adding an extra day to improve your summit odds.
While popular, we generally do not guide clients on the Marangu route due to its crowded trails and limited scenic variety; both ascent and descent follow the same path. It is most suitable during the rainy season for those preferring hut accommodations over camping on wet ground, or for travelers with strict time constraints.
Key Stops Along the Route
Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut After breakfast and briefing, drive approximately 45 minutes to Marangu village and proceed to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Begin your trek through lush rainforest to Mandara Hut at 2,740 meters (9,000 feet). Optionally, take a side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut Start trekking around 8:30 a.m., leaving the rainforest to ascend into open moorlands. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, surrounded by giant lobelias and groundsels. Horombo Hut is a popular acclimatization stop, and we recommend spending an extra day here to increase your summit chances (available upon request). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut Trek through the upper heathland into the alpine desert, reaching the last water point before Kibo Hut. Prepare for an early summit push after dinner and rest at Kibo Hut. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 4: Kibo Hut – Summit (Uhuru Peak) – Horombo Hut Wake early for a warm drink before beginning your final ascent to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim (approx. 4-7 hours), then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). Dress warmly, carry a flashlight, sunglasses, and camera. After summit photos, descend to Kibo Hut for breakfast and rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Mandara Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi Descend steadily through moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue down through lush forest to the park gate at Marangu. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Meals: Breakfast