5 Day Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro Safari photo

Marangu Route is also known as the “tourist route” or “Coca cola route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every huts with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 65 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 122 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last hut but are very basic. The 5 days Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through forests, moorlands and then across the saddle a high-altitude desert separating the main summit, Kibo, 5896m, from craggy Mawenzi, 5149m, to Kibo Hut. From here an early start is made for the ascent to Uhuru peak (the highest top of Kibo). Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi

Our transfer driver will collect you and all your gear from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to the hotel in Moshi. Relax after your flight, take a dip in the pool or explore Moshi. Later you will meet the Karibu Adventure operation team. They will tell you more about the trip, share tips and safety information and thoroughly check your gear to see if you have everything you need.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birds, and Colobus monkeys.

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Day 3: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 1 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 5: Horombo Hut to the gate, drive back to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to Moshi (about 1 hour).

  • Oxygen Cylinder
  • Medically qualified guides
  • Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
  • 2 nights hotel in Moshi (before & after climb) bed and breakfast
  • Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
  • Pick up and drop off to the Airport and transfer to the entry and exit gate.
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits, mountain hut fees, and rescue fees.
  • All government taxes (VAT)
  • 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
  • All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
  • As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
  • Hot water for washing up daily.

Price excludes:

  • Airfares and taxes
  • Lunch, dinner and drinks at hotel
  • Compulsory tips for guides, porters and cook depending on how many hikers in the group.
  • Tip to your guides, porters and cook. Can be split between each Client in the climb.
  • Single supplement, for single tent
  • Small private party supplement, for private climbs of one or two people.
  • Extra hotel night.

Route & Pricing Options

Kilimanjaro package now include night accommodation (1 before trek and 1 after)
You will spend a night in Moshi allowing you time to regenerate and meet with your guides the next day as they give you a detailed climb orientation and gear check

Kilimanjaro Routes 1 to 2 People 3 to 5 People More Than 6 People
Machame 6 days US $ 1600/ Person US $ 1500/Person US $ 1450/Person
Machame 7days US $ 1700/ Person US $ 1600/Person US $ 1500/Person
Lemosho 7 Days US $ 2000/ Person US$ 1900/Person US $ 1800/Person
Lemosho 8 Days US $ 2200/ Person US $ 2100/Person US $ 2000/Person
Rongai 6 Days US $ 1600/ Person US $ 1550/Person US $ 1500/Person
Rongai 7 Days US $ 1700/ Person US $ 1600/Person US $ 1500/Person
Umbwe 6 Days US $ 1550/ Person US$ 1500/Person US $ 1450/Person
Marangu 5 Days US $ 1450/ Person US $ 1400/Person US $ 1350/Person
Marangu 6 Days US $ 1500/ Person US $ 1450/Person US $ 1400/Person

Mount Meru prices (Pre-Kilimanjaro Climb start to Climb Mt.Meru an optional)

Number Of Days 1 to 2 People 3 to 5 People More than 6 People
3 Days Climb US $ 879/person US $849/person US $ 769/person
4 Days Climb US $ 1029/person US $ 979/person US $ 869/person

If you have a larger group, special needs or any other reason to contact us concerning the price of your climb, please feel free to do so.