Marangu is the most popular route for Mt Kilimanjaro hiking.
Marangu Route 5 days is best for first time climber and Marangu route is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro summit compared to other routes.
The Marangu Route is just known as the “Coca Cola” route due to the truth that drinks are for sale in the huts.
The minimum trekking days on Marangu route is 5 days but can be done in 6 days and have one day resting at Horombo hut for acclimatization before you attempt the summit.
Itineraries
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your Joica Tours And Safaris representative who will transfer you to your Hotel in Arusha. In the evening your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 2: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): 5,500 ft / 1,700 m to 9,000 ft / 2,740 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate 3 hours, register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Day 3: Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 2,700 m — 3,720 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Kibo Hut
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a reasonable trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.
Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 3,720 m— 4,700 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-8 hours
Habitat: Kibo Hut
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plant less plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 hours.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 4,700 m — 5,895 m- 3,720 m
Distance: 16km
Hiking Time: 9-12 hours
Habitat: Uhuru Peak
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
Day 6: Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 3,720 m to 1,860 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide you a transfer back to Arusha.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast and rest, we will Transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.
Trip Include & Exclude
Transport fees to and from Kilimanjaro Airport and your accommodation in Arusha
2 nights of stay at a hotel in Arusha
Transfer to and from the Kilimanjaro Gate
Mountain guides, cooks, and porters who are both professional and friendly
Hot meals served three times per day
Ample amount of treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Set fair wages for the mountain crew which are approved by the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO), and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent. It can be rented at $70 for the entire trek
Lunch, dinner, and drink at your hotel both before and after your climb