The 5-day Marangu Route,
Overview
The 5-day Marangu route,
The 5-day Marangu route, also nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route”, is the oldest, most well-established route up Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s known for being the most straightforward path to the summit and the only route with pre-built huts for shelter. While it offers scenic beauty and a chance to summit the highest peak in Africa, the 5-day itinerary is a challenging trek with a lower success rate due to less time for acclimatization, which is crucial at high altitudes.
5-Day Marangu Route Itenerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,830m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Distance: 8 kilometers (5 miles)
Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The trek begins at the Marangu Gate, the official entry point to Kilimanjaro National Park. You’ll register and start your hike through the lush rainforest, teeming with plant and animal life. The moderate climb takes you to Mandara Hut, nestled amongst giant trees draped with moss.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 11 kilometers (7 miles)
Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Day 2 leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The landscape transforms into a mix of shrubs, wildflowers, and volcanic rock formations. The path gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll reach Horombo Hut, the largest hut on the Marangu route, situated on a ridge with stunning vistas of Kibo, the volcanic peak of Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m)
Distance: 10 kilometers (6 miles)
Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
This day tackles steeper terrain as you enter the semi-desert zone. Sparse vegetation and scree slopes dominate the landscape. The hike is a good indicator of how your body is adjusting to the increasing altitude. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, a basic but functional structure set against the dramatic backdrop of Kibo’s peak.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Distance: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) up / 14 kilometers (9 miles) down
Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Alpine desert
Summit day is the most demanding and rewarding part of the trek. You’ll begin before midnight to ascend in the cool darkness, navigating scree slopes and switchbacks by headlamp. The air thins as you gain altitude, making physical exertion more difficult. Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) for a spectacular sunrise over the clouds. Push on for the final stretch to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking panoramic views. After conquering the summit, descend back to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate (1,830m) – Moshi
Distance: 18 kilometers (11 miles)
Time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final day is a long descent back down the mountain through the moorland and rainforest zones. Enjoy the contrasting scenery as your body recovers from the challenging climb. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and celebrate your accomplishment. Transportation will take you back to Moshi, a town at the foot of Kilimanjaro.