Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days
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Route Overview
Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is a classic choice for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This historic path, traversed by Hans Meyer during the first successful summit in 1889, offers a unique experience. The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days is the only route that provides dormitory-style huts for overnight stays, making it an excellent option for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons (mid-March to late May and late October to late December) when staying dry is essential. The trail ascends through all of Kilimanjaro National Park’s climatic zones, from lush rainforest to the barren alpine desert. Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 5 Days offers both 5-day and 6-day itineraries, with the 6-day option generally considered less challenging.
Tour highlight
 
 Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Marangu Gate and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
 
 Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
 
 Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
 
 Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, cold weather jacket, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
 
 Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on Bed and Breakfast at 3 stars hotel (upgrades on request).
 
 Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveller’s needs
  
 Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
  
 Trip Availability: All year round.
Included/Exclude
- Two-way private airport transfers
- All park fees collected by the National Park
- Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
- All meals on the hike
- All group camping equipment
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- Complete Expedition medical kits
- Kilimanjaro licensed professional guides
- Hiking dedicated support crews
- Government taxes
- Crew salaries
- Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
- Purified water while on the mountain
- Portable tented private flush toilet
- Personal Climbing gears
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Mountaineering Insurance
- Tips and Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
After a hearty breakfast and a pre-climb briefing, you’ll take a scenic one-hour drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate for registration before starting your adventure. Your trek begins in the lush rainforest, leading you to the Mandara escarpment.
For an enhanced experience, consider a short detour to Maundi Crater, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kenya and Tanzania. Along the way, you’ll encounter majestic Eucalyptus trees, a rich variety of bird species, and playful Colobus monkeys that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem.
Distance covered:Â 8.3km / 5.2mi,
Approx. time taken:Â 5 hours,
.
Leaving behind the dense glades of the rainforest, you’ll follow an ascending trail that leads into the stunning open moorlands. The landscape transforms dramatically, offering panoramic views of Mawenzi and the majestic summit of Kibo.
As you traverse this unique ecosystem, keep an eye out for the striking giant lobelias and groundsels that dot the terrain. Along the way, you may begin to feel the first signs of altitude, so take it slow and stay hydrated to ease the transition.
Elevation:Â 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance:Â 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time:Â 5-6 hours
Habitat:Â Heathland
Meals:Â BLD
As the journey continues, you’ll ascend further, passing the last reliable watering spot before entering the vast, lunar-like saddle of Kilimanjaro, situated between the towering peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
The lush vegetation of the lower slopes gives way to the sparse yet striking landscape of the upper heathland, gradually fading into the barren alpine desert. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner and take time to rest and prepare for the exhilarating summit attempt ahead.
Elevation:Â 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance:Â 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time:Â 5-6 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
Meals:Â BLD
Your climb to the summit begins in the early hours of the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m. Under the glow of headlamps and flashlights, you’ll make your way through challenging scree and snow toward Gilman’s Point, located at the crater rim. The climb is cold and strenuous, so warm layers and determination are essential.
From Gilman’s Point, you’ll push onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit is an incredible achievement, offering breathtaking views and a sense of triumph. Capture the moment with photos to share with loved ones back home.
After spending some time at the top, you’ll begin your descent, retracing your steps to the Horombo escarpment. Enjoy lunch en route as you soak in the changing landscapes. This will undoubtedly be the most demanding part of the trek, requiring mental strength and a positive attitude to overcome the challenges of altitude and exhaustion.
Elevation:Â 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance:Â 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time:Â 5-6 hours
Habitat:Â Alpine Desert
Meals:Â BLD
After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent along a scenic moorland trail, heading toward Mandara Hut. From there, the path transitions into a lush rainforest as you make your way to the Marangu Gate.
The lower elevations are often muddy and wet, so gaiters and trekking poles will prove useful. While shorts and t-shirts are ideal for the warmer temperatures, don’t forget to keep rain gear and warm clothes handy.
At Marangu Gate, you’ll officially complete your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure! A Youth Adventures vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately an hour’s drive away.
Elevation:Â 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance:Â 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time:Â 4-5 hours
Habitat:Â Forest
Meals:Â B
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