5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

Marangu Route is jokingly referred to as the "Tourist Route" or "Coca-Cola Route". It's called "Tourist Route" for two reasons. One reason is simply its popularity: it makes this climbing route somewhat touristy. Marangu Route is also the only climbing route that uses the same path up to the summit and down, which contributes to it being the most crowded climb route on Kilimanjaro.

Marangu Route is a comfortable walking path with a very steady, gradual slope (at least until you reach the last camp). This gave the route a reputation as an "easy" route to climb. And that's the other reason for the name "Tourist Route": because it is supposed to be "easy", the route is used by many shockingly unprepared "tourists", rather than trekkers. 5 Days Marangu Route Expedition will take you through different habitats on Mount Kilimanjaro, and let you experience the most dramatic views of Kilimanjaro landscapes.

The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the route is the only Kilimanjaro climbing route that offers hut accommodation. Camping is not allowed.

Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi - Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut

Elevation gain: (1700m to 2740m) – (5,500ft to 9,000ft)

Distance: 8 kilometers

Time: 3 hours

5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

After breakfast and a short briefing from our professional and experienced mountain guides, our driver will take you for about an hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate via the attractive Marangu village. As you arrive, you will register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence your 5 Days Marangu Route Trek. You will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara hut located at (9,000 ft. / 2,740 m.) as you arrive at Mandara hut you will have a short rest and later in the evening, you will go for a side trip to Maundi Crater where it’s a good way to acclimatize see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania.

Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut

Elevation gain: (2,740m to 3700m) – (9,000ft to 12,100ft)

Distance: 11 kilometers

Time: 5 hours

5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

Around 8:30 a.m. morning after breakfast, you will start trekking to Horombo Hut. After 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 shining on clear days. In most cases, giant lobelias and groundsels are found on your way. Horombo hut is a point where most climbers use it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. Spending an extra day gives a wide chance for a successful summit of the roof of Africa.

Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

Elevation gain: (3700m to 4700m) – (12,100ft to 15,400ft)

Distance: 9 kilometers

Time: 5 hours

5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

Early morning after breakfast the trek will take us to the last water point, walking on the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heartland but then disappears into a desert-like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner, take a nap, and in the middle of the night around 23:30 hours, you will prepare for the summit climb.

Kibo Hut To Summit

Elevation gain: (4,750m to 5,895m) – (15,580ft to 19,340ft)

Distance: 6 kilometers

Time: 6 hours

Around midnight, awake for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. The hike begins with a demanding five-hour hike to Gillman’s Point on the crater rim. Although this is considered to be the easiest of the three crater ascent paths, it is still extremely difficult. The first major rest stop, William’s Point, lies at 5000 meters and is approximately a two-hour hike from Kibo Hut. Continue on for thirty minutes before beginning the rocky switchbacks that will take you to Gillman’s Point (5,681 meters). The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and as far as hikes go, not very difficult.

The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

Kibo Hut

Day 4: Summit - Horombo Hut

Elevation loss: (5,895m to 3700m) – (19,340ft to 12,100ft)

Distance: 15 kilometers

Time: 7 hours

5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

On the way down from the summit, you will see all of the magnificent views you could not see on the way up. Stop for a short break and snacks at Kibo Hut before continuing to Horombo Hut. You will arrive at Horombo Hut in the afternoon and enjoy your last night on the mountain.

Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

Elevation Loss: (1,800m to 3,720m) - (12,200ft to 5,905ft)

Distance: 19 kilometers

Time: 5 hours

5 Days Marangu Route Expedition

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Our vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi.