Hikers follow a rocky trail towards Kilimanjaro summit under a blue sky
Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO
Kilimanjaro
KILIMANJARO

Climb Kilimanjaro via the 5-Day Marangu Route with huts

From $1,771 USD* / Beautiful Maundi Crater / 7 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice

Climb Kilimanjaro via the 5-Day Marangu Route

Ready to conquer Kilimanjaro? The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route because soft drinks were traditionally sold along the trail, is the only Kilimanjaro route where you sleep in mountain huts instead of tents. It’s one of the most affordable ways to climb Africa’s highest mountain, but don’t let that fool you! With steep altitude gains and limited time to acclimatise, this 5-day trek is best suited to experienced hikers.

Trip highlights

  • Climb Kilimanjaro via the famous Marangu Route.
  • Sleep in mountain huts instead of tents.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
  • Trek with experienced guides and a dedicated mountain crew.

Is the 5-Day Marangu Route right for me?

The Marangu Route follows the same trail up and down Kilimanjaro. While the huts offer extra comfort, the rapid altitude gain makes this a challenging climb.

We recommend adding an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Huts. This gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude and can improve your chances of reaching the summit.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Africa Safari Trips

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, and having the right team makes all the difference! With Africa Safari Trips, you’re supported by professional mountain guides, porters, and a cook throughout your journey.

Your crew takes care of the practical details, prepares nutritious meals and checks your health twice a day. That way, you can focus on the climb while your guides help you recognise potential signs of altitude sickness.

You also receive a detailed preparation guide with practical tips on training, packing and what to expect on the mountain.

Prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure

A little preparation goes a long way! Watch our Kilimanjaro preparation video or explore our tips on getting ready for your climb.

Ready to take on Kilimanjaro? Let’s make it happen!

Our Tanzania trips were previously exclusively offered by our sister company, Tanzania Specialist. Now you can enjoy them with us too!

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)
  • Day 3: Marangu Route (2/5) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 4: Marangu Route (3/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
  • Day 5: Marangu Route (4/5) | Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 6: Marangu Route (5/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel
  • Day 7: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 2

Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)

The first morning, your guide takes you from the hotel to Marangu Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then you cross some untouched rainforest. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara huts. In the afternoon you have the option to go to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts or you can just rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3

Marangu Route (2/5) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forests to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Marangu Route (3/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The hike is heavy and takes you through open landscapes with less shelter. You arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead!

Day 5

Marangu Route (4/5) | Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

In the middle of the night, you start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, with your flashlight. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb until you reach Gilman's Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far and is relatively easy to reach. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After celebrating this achievement at the top, your descent begins through the Kibo Huts Camp down to the Horombo huts for dinner and overnight. In total, you are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard but rewarding day!

Day 6

Marangu Route (5/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel

On this final day on the mountain, you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six-hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.

Day 7

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!

Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips

At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Africa Safari Trips?

  • We are based in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda)
  • We offer private safaris
  • We have world class safari guides
  • You get Expert advice
  • Best value for money
  • Own safari vehicles
  • No limit on driving distance
  • Worry-free Hakuna Matata package
Take a look at our excursions