Can You Feel the Call of Adventure and the Great Outdoors?
Design a tour that fits your style. Click to begin
Marangu Route
Express Comfort Trail: 5 Days Marangu Route
- Dream Trails Expeditions
- 5 Day Trek
- Kilimanjaro Climb
From - $1450
Route Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most popular and established routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodation, making it the most comfortable option for trekkers. Despite being considered an "easier" route, the rapid ascent can still lead to altitude sickness, so careful acclimatization is key.
This 5-day itinerary is perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the majesty of Africa's highest peak with relative comfort.
- Total Distance: 70 km (43 miles) round trip
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Elevation Gain: 1,870m (6,135ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft)
- Starting Point: Marangu Gate (1,870m / 6,135ft)
- Ending Point: Marangu Gate (1,870m / 6,135ft)
- Accommodation: Huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
- Difficulty: Moderate (requires good fitness)
🌿 Mandara Hut (2,700m)
- Lush rainforest with blue monkeys and colobus monkeys
- Stunning Maundi Crater views
- Comfortable hut accommodation
🏔️ Horombo Hut (3,720m)
- Breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
- Optional acclimatization hikes available
- Transition from rainforest to moorland
🏔️ Kibo Hut (4,700m)
- Alpine desert landscape
- Final resting stop before summit attempt
- Strategic location for summit push
🏆 Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
- Highest point in Africa
- Panoramic views of glaciers and surrounding plains
- Lifetime achievement
Horombo Hut is the critical acclimatization point on the Marangu Route. Taking an extra day here can significantly enhance your chances of summiting.
Optional Acclimatization Hikes:
- Zebra Rocks (4,000m): 2-3 hour hike with great views
- Mawenzi Hut (4,300m): 4-5 hour hike for better acclimatization
- Both options return to Horombo Hut for overnight stay
Our Approach:
- "Pole pole" (slowly slowly) hiking pace
- Daily health checks by guides
- Hydration and nutrition monitoring
- 95%+ summit success rate with our methods
🏞️ Best Seasons (Dry & Ideal Conditions)
- January – Mid-March: Warm days, clear skies, excellent visibility
- June – October: Cooler temperatures but dry and stable conditions
🌧️ Rainy Seasons (More Challenging)
- April – May: Heavy rains make trails slippery and views obscured
- November: Short rains; wet but manageable with proper gear
✔️ What's Included
- All transport by private vehicle (airport/hotel transfers)
- Park fees, climbing permits & hut accommodations
- Professional guide, assistant guides, and porters
- All meals on the mountain (special diets accommodated)
- Rescue fees and emergency oxygen
- Certificate of achievement
❌ What's Excluded
- International flights & visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear and items
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended $20-25/day)
- Additional accommodations before/after trek
- Private Climbs: Exclusive trips for solo climbers or private groups
- 6-Day Option: Extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut
- Luxury Add-ons: Premium accommodations before/after climb
- Photography Package: Professional summit photos
- Safari Extension: Combine with Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari
- Helicopter Evacuation: Emergency coverage option
🌟 Our Advantages
- Expert Local Guides: Kilimanjaro specialists with 50+ summits each
- Safety Focus: Comprehensive health monitoring and protocols
- High Success Rate: 95%+ summit success with our methods
- Ethical Operations: Fair wages and proper treatment for porters
- Quality Equipment: Reliable gear for challenging conditions
- 24/7 Support: From booking to summit and beyond
📩 Book at www.dreamtrailsexpeditions.com or contact us for custom options!
5-Day Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary
01
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1,870m → 2,700m | Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Activities:- Morning briefing and gear check at Marangu Gate
- Hike through lush rainforest with your guide
- Spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys
- Optional short hike to Maundi Crater for views
- Overnight at Mandara Hut (shared dormitory)
Habitat: Rainforest
02
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2,700m → 3,720m | Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Activities:- Gradual ascent through changing vegetation zones
- Emergence from forest into moorland
- First views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
- Acclimatization walk in afternoon (optional)
- Overnight at Horombo Hut (shared dormitory)
Habitat: Moorland
03
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m → 4,700m | Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Activities:- Trek across the lunar-like Saddle between peaks
- Alpine desert landscape with unique vegetation
- Early arrival at Kibo Hut for rest
- Summit briefing and early dinner
- Short sleep before midnight summit attempt
Habitat: Alpine Desert
04
Day 4: Summit Day! Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,720m | Distance: 22 km | Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Activities:- Midnight wake-up for summit attempt
- Steep ascent to Gilman's Point (5,681m) at dawn
- Final push along crater rim to Uhuru Peak
- Celebrate at the Roof of Africa!
- Descend to Kibo Hut for short rest
- Continue descent to Horombo Hut for overnight
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
05
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 3,720m → 1,870m | Distance: 20 km | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Activities:- Final descent through moorland and rainforest
- Celebratory lunch at Mandara Hut
- Receive summit certificates at Marangu Gate
- Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha
- Evening celebration (optional)
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
