5 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu Route

  • 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
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The Marangu Route

An Accessible Trek on Mount Kilimanjaro

The Marangu Route is a popular five-day trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s highest mountain. It’s also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” because of the availability of the drink along the route. The Marangu Route is considered the easiest and most accessible route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but it still requires a good level of fitness and acclimatization to the altitude.

The trek starts from the Marangu Gate, located on the southeastern side of the mountain, and passes through several different vegetation zones, including rainforest, heath, and moorland. Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and possibly even elephants.

Accommodation on the Marangu Route is in mountain huts, which are shared dormitory-style accommodations with basic facilities such as toilets and running water. Meals are provided throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals are typically simple but nourishing, with a mix of western and local dishes.

The Marangu Route is a popular choice for those who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but have limited time or experience. However, it’s important to note that the success rate of reaching the summit on the Marangu Route is lower than some of the other routes, due to the shorter acclimatization period. It’s also important to choose a reputable tour company or guide service to ensure safety and proper equipment.

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Day 1

Arrival

  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • From Hotel to The Kilimanjaro National Park
  • After breakfast, drive from the hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (Marangu Gate).
  • Register at the gate and officially begin the climb.
  • Walk through the rainforest on the ascent to the Mandara encampment.
  • Observe towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys along the trail.
  • Take a side trip to Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
  • Continue the trek through the rainforest, exploring the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Day 3

  • Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
  • Depart from the rainforest and follow an ascending path through the open moorlands to reach the Horombo encampment.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo during the ascent.
  • Look for giant lobelias and grounsels in the surroundings, and be mindful of potential effects of altitude as you continue your journey.

Day 4

  • Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
  • Ascend past the last watering point on the way to the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
  • Witness the transition of vegetation from upper heathland as you continue the ascent.
  • Experience the landscape transforming into a “moonscape” as vegetation disappears, revealing a unique and barren terrain.
  • Arrive at the destination, have dinner, rest, and make preparations for the final summit climb.

Day 5

  • Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
  • Commence the climb to the summit from midnight to 2 am, navigating steep scree or snow to reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim.
  • Continue the ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with incredible views at every turn.
  • Capture the moment by having your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family.
  • Descend from the summit, stopping for lunch and rest at Kibo before proceeding to the Horombo encampment.
  • Navigate the challenging descent in the dark using headlamps or flashlights, enduring the cold until descending, and approach this demanding part of the trek with a slow and optimistic attitude.

Day 6

  • Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi
  • After breakfast, embark on a steady descent through moorland, making your way down to the Mandara Hut.
  • Continue the descent through lush forest paths, experiencing the change in surroundings as you make your way to lower elevations.
  • Descend further until reaching the National Park gate at Marangu, completing your trek.
  • Be prepared for potentially wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Consider wearing gaiters and using trekking poles. Keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible.
  • A vehicle will be waiting for you at the Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 1-hour journey.
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MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range($) Budget($)
1 5 2,450 2,050 1,425
2 1,900 1,610 1,190
3 to 4 1,775 1,500 1,180
More than 4

1,725

1,450

1,120

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
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Included

Excluded

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  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$1,120 to $2,450 pp. (USD)

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Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
Tom M
Tom M
2023-06-25
Incredible experience made all the more special by Honest and his team We couldn’t endorse Honest and his team more. Immediately after meeting, we were made to feel extremely welcome, safe, and informed, which remained throughout the duration of our adventure.We first climbed Mount Meru where Honest took us to spots to see Giraffes in the wild as well as many monkeys, warthogs, and other animals. This served as the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro.The team we had for Kili was exemplary. The whole time there was a real bond between the entire group. We’d regularly spend time beyond meal times talking with Honest and Justin about life and the adventure we were currently on which was extremely insightful. The food also far surpassed our expectations with exactly the type of fuel we needed such as pastas, fruits, eggs, etc. Our chef was called the “stomach engineer” for very appropriate reasons!Throughout the climb, Honest ensured we maintained an enjoyable tempo and there wasn’t a moment we felt too slow or rushed. The culmination of this was being fresh for summit morning and being the first team to summit, just as the sun was rising. With minor altitude sickness in the team on descent, Honest gave appropriate nutrition and instruction to manage the situation. Thereafter, there was a party atmosphere within the group, even having music and dancing on the last morning of the descent where we exchanged gifts and final stories.Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime made all the more special by Honest and his team. Perfectly prepared and executed that set us up for success. The relationship with Honest was tremendous, so much so that we are still in regular contact today and when a return trip is due, there are no hesitations in going straight to Zanzi Trekking and Safaris.
Toumi I
Toumi I
2023-05-23
The amazing trip We had an amazing experience with zanzi trekking and safaris ,they took care of every detail of our trip .we are so delighted to have organised everything with them .
Ghizlane Z
Ghizlane Z
2023-05-20
Professional and amazing Organizers very professional trip organizers. The guides are all ear and take care of every single details. Zanzibar was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline, new experiences and heartwarming people. I only can recommend and will definitely plan a Safari with Zanzibar trekking. The best is yet to come Much love !
Slim M
Slim M
2023-02-25
Wonderful experience! It was an amazing experience! We had so much fun, everything was very well organised.Thank you Zanzi
Eero
Eero
2022-11-18
Kilimanjaro Professional, yet easy going and well organized trek, with fantastic main guide Honest and his crew. Lots of good memories, laughter anf singing. Hieno kokemus kaikenkaikkiaan, asante sana!
renata C
renata C
2022-08-13
Wonderful adventure The climb to Kilimanjaro was well organized, all the people were very friendly and acommodating. A safari to remember. I would love to repeat this adventure😊
Laurent D
Laurent D
2022-07-20
Expérience parfaite ! Honest et son équipe ont été d’excellents guides, très sympathiques et très professionnels. Ils nous ont conduit au sommet du Kilimandjaro sans le moindre problème. Merci encore Honest pour cette magnifique ascension !
Benoit_JPA
Benoit_JPA
2022-07-19
Super guide et équipe ! Super expérience avec Honnest et son agence. L’accompagnement était top du début a la fin aussi bien pour l’ascension di Kilimandjaro que le safari. Un grand merci a notre guide et son équipe.
Steph M
Steph M
2022-07-17
Wonderful experience We had a wonderful experience with Honest back on 2017 who organized a trip for the ascent of Kilimanjaro and two Fays of safaris
Hemery Chris
Hemery Chris
2022-07-14
Best expedition of kilimandjaro Que du bon souvenir ! Honest nous a accueilli avec beaucoup d’attention, une équipe pour l’expédition de preniere ordre, la qualité aux services de l’ascension du plus haut sommet d’Afrique, le fameux kilimandjaro !A faire avant qu’il n’y ait plus de glacier en haut Et dans la foulee, nous sommes allee dans la jungle avec Honest pour voir ces anomaux en libertéJe recommande vivement !