5 Day Marangu Route Climbing Kilimanjaro

This 5 day Marangu Route climbing, also known as the “tourist” or “Coca Cola” route. It is the shortest and easiest route on the Kilimanjaro mountain. Also, this is the only route on Kilimanjaro with comfort sleeping huts at every camp with solar lights and comfortable beddings.

The huts are shared, and the bunks have all proper beddings. This Marangu route is usually done in 5 days but can also be done in 6 days for extra day acclimatisation and higher success rate.

The extra day can be spent by climbing the small peak of Mawenzi or ressting at camp,

5 Day Marangu Route itinerary at glance:

Day 01: Arusha-Marangu Gate -Mandara Hut

Day 02: Mandara Hut (2,743m/9,000ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)

Day 03: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Kibo Hut (4,750m/15,580ft)

Day 04: Kibo Hut 4700m/15,500ft to Summit 5895m/19,340ft

Day 05: Horombo Hut-Arusha/Moshi

This 5 days Marangu Kilimanjaro climb allows you to experience the highest peak in Africa within a short period of time.

Marangu route 5 days itinerary

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE-MANDARA HUT

Around 8am drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate to start your 5 days Marangu Kilimanjaro climb. Meet your guides, cooks and porters when arriving at the gate and after completing gate registration and permits begin your 5 days Marangu Kilimanjaro trek.

Walk along a narrow trail in the rainforest as you begin your hike. During afternoon, eat lunch at Kisambioni, halfway point for day one. After lunch proceed with walking through the rainforest until reaching the Mandara Hut.

Relax or take a short walk to Maundi Crater.

DAY 2: MANDARA-HOROMBO HUT.

Morning meal then leave Mandara Hut for Horombo Hut. Hike through Kilimanjaro’s moorland, rocky with desert-like plants.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Kambi ya Taabu before proceeding to Horombo Hut. If skies are clear, enjoy beautiful views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Horombo Hut at around 3pm and relax.

The Horombo Huts are considered the best on Kilimanjaro mountain despite of being busy. The A-frame huts can accommodate up to eight people each.

DAY 3: HOROMBO-KIBO HUT

Leave Horombo Hut after breakfast to hike through the alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s higher altitudes. Hike for about an hour before arrive at Maua River, a small Kilimanjaro stream.

After Maua stream, the terrain vegetation begins to disappear. Stop for lunch and after lunch, proceed on a steady incline for another two hours through Kilimanjaro’s Saddle.

Enjoy stunning views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks before reaching Kibo Hut around 3pm to rest and prepare for your midnight Kilimanjaro summit.

DAY 4: KIBO-UHURU SUMMIT THEN HOROMBO RUOTE.

Wake up at around 11:00 pm, prepare with snacks and hot tea before starting the climb to the summit.

Ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is known to be highest point in African continent. Reach at summit and have your picture taken at the summit to share with your friends and family.

After great momement on the summit, descend with a quick stop for lunch and a rest at Kibo before proceeding to the Horombo encampment.

Please note, on the way to summit, It will be very cold until you start descending. This the most difficult part of the 5 day marangu trek. Going slowly “pole pole” at your pace will get you there.

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT THEN ARUSHA

After breakfast, proceed with a steady descent takes down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Keep descending through a rainforest path to the National Park gate at Marangu.

T shirt and Shorts will probably be plenty to wear while Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Your transfer vehicle will be at Marangu gate to drive you back to Tulia Boutique Hotel for overnight and relaxation. Please note, on the way to summit, It will be very cold until you start descending. This

the most difficult part of the 5 day marangu trekking. Going slowly “pole pole” at your pace will get you.

Other great routes to consider on Kilimanjaro are Lemosho and Rongai route.