Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Along the Marangu Route, 5 Days Ascent

5 Days 4 Nights

Overview

Ceraa Eyes Safari, a Tanzanian operator based locally, organises this 5 day marangu route. Experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks climb with you, and we shape every detail together with you.

Reasons to book this 5 Days marangu route with us

Each 5 day marangu route trip we organise is tailor-made, which means the dates, accommodation and pace can all be changed to suit you. Our local team also looks after you from the moment you arrive until you leave. Ahead of your trip, you can read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website, and for further inspiration take a look at our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Join our 5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb on the Marangu Route, a trip that ranks among the most popular ways up to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Known as the Coca-Cola Route, Marangu is the one Kilimanjaro trail that offers proper mountain huts. This makes it a great pick for first-timers and for climbers who like extra comfort.

You hike through the lovely scenery of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, from lush rainforest through heathland and alpine desert to the snow-capped summit of Africa's Highest Mountain. Experienced local mountain guides lead the way, so you get stunning views, excellent support and the memorable chance to stand on the Roof of Africa.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha or Moshi – Mandara Hut via Marangu Gate

Your adventure starts with an early-morning pick-up from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), followed by the drive to Marangu Gate. After completing park registration, you set off through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Beneath towering indigenous trees, the trail may reveal blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and colorful birds.

By late afternoon you reach Mandara Hut for dinner and the night. If time permits, a short walk to Moundi Crater rewards you with lovely panoramic views.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 8 km
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut

After breakfast, your climb continues into the lovely heath and moorland zone, where the rainforest slowly makes way for open mountain scenery. On the trail, enjoy striking views of Mawenzi Peak, distinctive giant lobelias and everlasting flowers, while your professional guide describes Kilimanjaro's remarkable ecology. At Horombo Hut you can rest, have dinner and get ready for the greater heights to come.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 12 km
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut

Your trek today crosses the striking alpine desert called the Saddle, which spreads between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. As you climb, you are rewarded with wonderful mountain scenery and wide panoramas, and your guides help you hold a steady pace.

Arriving at Kibo Hut, you have an early dinner and sort out your summit kit, then rest before the midnight push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, then Horombo Hut

Soon after midnight the exciting summit climb begins under a sky packed with stars. You go past Gilman's Point and arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent. Then comes a sunrise above the clouds, a chance to celebrate your remarkable achievement and plenty of photo opportunities.

From there you descend to Horombo Hut and a deserved rest, at the end of one of the most satisfying days of the whole trip.

Hiking Time: 10–14 Hours
Distance: 22 km
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

From Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, then on to Arusha / Moshi

Following breakfast, you start the last stretch down through lovely moorland and lush rainforest, enjoying a final look at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. At Marangu Gate you are handed your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate to mark what you have achieved.

At the end, your driver meets you for the journey back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), and you leave with memories of standing on the Roof of Africa.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Distance: 20 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch