5 Days Marangu Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking

Overview

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established path to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. Known for its relatively gentle gradient and well-maintained trails, it is the only route offering hut accommodations, providing more comfort in the form of Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts. The 5-day climb begins at the lush rainforest of Marangu Gate, ascending through diverse ecological zones including moorlands with striking giant lobelias and groundsels, the surreal alpine desert, and finally the snowy summit of Uhuru Peak. Key highlights include the beautiful Mandara Hut nestled in the rainforest, the panoramic views from Horombo Hut, the moonscape of the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, and the awe-inspiring sunrise at Gillman’s Point, culminating in the triumphant moment of reaching Africa’s highest point. The descent offers a different perspective, retracing steps through these varying landscapes, concluding with a celebratory return to Moshi.

Route Highligts

Itinerary

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha/Moshi
Kilimanjaro International Airport

Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2740m/9000ft
Altitude gained: 910m/3000ft

Your journey begins with a one-hour drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, passing through the charming village of Marangu. At the park gate, we’ll wait for our permits while observing the vibrant activity of crews preparing for their treks. As we embark on the trail, enjoy the lush rainforest scenery and winding paths. Our knowledgeable guide will share insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. The trail at these lower elevations can be muddy and slippery, so we recommend using gaiters and trekking poles.

Elevation: 2740m/9000ft to 3690m/12,100ft
Altitude gained: 950m/3100ft

After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and follow an ascending path through heathland, spotting giant lobelias and groundsels along the way. As we progress into the open moorlands, you’ll notice the landscape dominated by small shrubs. We’ll pause for lunch and take in the stunning views of Mawenzi. By late afternoon, we’ll reach the Horombo Huts, situated beneath the impressive Kibo Summit. Expect cooler temperatures as night falls.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 4695m/15,400ft
Altitude gained:1005m/3300ft

Following breakfast, we trek through the diminishing heathland, transitioning into a moonscape as we approach the vast saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. We’ll stop for lunch and take time to observe the path we’ll be taking for the summit climb up Kibo. This stretch provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

Elevation: 4695m/15,400ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Summit), then down to 3690m/12,100ft
Altitude gained: 1200m/3940ft (up), Altitude lost: 2205m/7240ft (down)

We start our summit attempt early, between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most demanding part of the trek, both mentally and physically. Moving in a switchback pattern, we’ll climb through heavy scree and possibly snow towards Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Here, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. The final hour’s ascent to Uhuru Peak will likely be through snow. Congratulations, you’ve reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent!

After celebrating this incredible achievement, we begin the steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping briefly at Barafu for lunch. The loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain make gaiters and trekking poles essential. Enjoy a well-deserved rest on your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 3690m/12,100ft to 1830m/6000ft
Altitude gained: 1860m/6100ft

After breakfast, we have a heartfelt farewell ceremony with our crew. As we continue our descent, we’ll stop at Mandara Huts for lunch. It’s customary to tip your guides, cooks, and porters here. Upon reaching the Marangu Park Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates. The warmer, wet, and muddy terrain on the descent calls for gaiters and trekking poles. A vehicle will then drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi, where a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations await.

Included

Not Included

Payment Terms

Deposit Payment
  • Deposit is 20% of the total booking amount.
  • Deposit can be paid either via a bank transfer or an online card payment.
  • A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charges), this is non-refundable.
  • We offer bank accounts in 10 different currencies for bank transfer.
  • Once you make the advance payment you will receive a booking confirmation.
Balance Payment
  • Balance can be paid via bank transfer, online card payment, or with cash.
  • Bank payment can be done 15 days prior to the tour date (recommended 30 days prior).
  • Card Payment can be done 1 day prior to the tour date (recommended 7 days prior).
  • A 5% fee is applicable on all card payments (payment gateway charge), this is non-refundable.
  • Cash can be paid on arrival (USD printed in or after the year 2009).

Cancellation Policy

8 days and above departure
  • No cancellation fees.
0 to 7 days before departure
  • 50% of the total tour price will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • Trek can be postponed to any new date without any extra cost at any point in time.
  • The 5% surcharge paid for either or both advance and balance payments is non-refundable in case of cancellation of the trek.

Supplements

  • Solo Supplement = USD 25
    Charged for solo trekkers throughout the year.
  • Off-season supplement = USD 75
    Charged for solo trekkers looking to start a new departure in March, April, May, and November. Does not apply if you join an existing group. Does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.

$ 1473

Starting from $ 1473 per Person Sharing

Private Trek

Solo Trekker
$ 1669 USD*
2 Persons
$ 1566 USD*
4 Persons
$ 1508 USD*
6 Persons
$ 1473 USD*
8 Persons
$ 1464 USD*
10+ Persons
$ 1456 USD*

Available Discounts

  • Children between 5 years and 15 years old
    Code: CHILDKILI10 – USD 290 per person
  • Expatriates/Residents living in Tanzania
    Code: EXPATKILI10 – USD 80 per person
  • East African Citizens
    Code: EACKILI10 – USD 268 per person

ADDONS

HOTELS

Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our comfortable addon hotels. Perfect for pre and post-climbing accommodation, offering relaxation, modern amenities, and seamless transitions for an unforgettable journey.

GEAR

Enhance your Kilimanjaro adventure with our addon gear options. Ensure you’re fully equipped with high-quality trekking gear, including jackets, boots, poles, and more, for a safe and comfortable climb.

TRANSFERS

Make your Kilimanjaro adventure seamless with our addon transfer options. Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers to and from your hotel, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience at the start and end of your journey
How it works

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HOTELS

LODGE
SINGLE ROOM
DOUBLE ROOM
TRIPLE ROOM
Lindrin Lodge
$ 55
$ 70
$ 105
Keys Hotel
$ 69
$ 94
$ 122
Park View Inn
$ 81
$ 91
$ 170
Kiliwonders Hotel
$ 140
$ 160

Kili Luxury Camp

$ 140
$ 160

Please note that if any hotel is booked out or is otherwise unavailable, we will book you in an alternate equivalent hotel.

If you are booking a hotel directly, please do check with us before booking, to make sure we can meet you and pick you up from the hotel.

GEAR

GEAR
PRICE
Private Toilet
$ 150
Thicker sleeping mattress
$ 10 per Mattress
Thermarest
$ 15

Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

All Equipments Subject to Availability

TRANSFERS

ROUTE OPTIONS
PRICE
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi (one way)
$ 50
Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) (one way)
$ 50
Arusha to Moshi (one way)
$ 100
Moshi to Arusha (one way)
$ 100

Our packages by default include a foam sleeping mattress of 2 inch thickness, if you want a thicker alternative you can opt a 4 inch foam mattress with above mentioned extra cost.

All Equipments Subject to Availability