5 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing/Trekking – Marangu Route

Overview:

This five-day climb is the most popular and direct of the Kilimanjaro routes, passing through vast grasslands, giant cacti fields and alpine meadows set against dramatic mountain peaks. It’s also the only route where camping is not needed, with trekkers sleeping in huts dotted along the way. The 35 kilometre uphill walk is well maintained and the views from the summit are striking. As the Marangu route is shorter, the period to acclimatise is also shortened and this has an impact on the trail's overall success rate.

Trekking Highlights:

If you are the first time climber and you want to climb Kilimanjaro in few days, here I have suggested you climb Kilimanjaro via the easy Marangu route. Our 5 Days Marangu route itinerary is the only uncomplicated to Uhuru peak on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing because of its gentle slopes but need optional acclimatisation day that one can reschedule to 6 days. The Marangu route is known as Coca-Cola Route meaning simple like Coca cola. However it is the only route on the mountain which offers accommodation in sleeping huts and serves beverages like Coca-Cola on the way.
Day 1: Marangu gate 1700m – Mandara Hut 2740m

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara hut located at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the atmosphere of the Northern part of Tanzania.
Day 2: Mandara Hut 2,740m – Horombo Hut 3700m

In the morning around 8:30 am after breakfast starting trekking to Horombo hut. After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo hut. The view of Kibo summit and Mawenzi are both stunning and shinning in clear days. In most cases giant lobelias and groundsels are found on your way. Horombo hut is a point were most of the climbers uses it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. Spending an extra day give a wide change for successful summit the roof of Africa, remember extra is available on request.
Day 3:Horombo Hut 3700m – Kibo Hut 4700m

In the morning after breakfast the trek will take us to the last water point walking Into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into desert like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner and followed by a nap and then at the middle of the night around 23:30 hour prepares your self for summit climb.
Day 4: Kibo Hut 4700m – Summit 5,895m and down to Horombo 3,700m

Very early in the morning you will be awaken by your guide for a cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate with some snakes. After a warm up start to the summit of Africa, The trek will take you to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim at 18,640 ft / 5,861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing you now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19,340 ft / 5,895 m (1-2 hours). You will need a flash light, camera, sun glass as well as warm clothes as it gets too cold. While at the summit you will take your pictures and thereafter start descending down to Kibo hut for breakfast and a rest before proceeding to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 5:Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut

Horombo Hut 3700m – Mandara Hut 2,740m – Marangu gate 1700m – 12,100ft to 5,500ft After breakfast a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 ft), the first stopping place of the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m / 6,004 ft). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.