All year
5 Days / 4 Nights
Kilimanjaro international Airport
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut, Marangu Gate
The 5-day Marangu Route is one of the most popular and easiest paths to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route” for its accessible huts and gentle gradients, it offers a well-supported journey through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, culminating in reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Unlike other routes, trekkers stay in cozy huts instead of tents, offering better protection from the elements.
With a 5-day schedule, it's perfect for those with limited time but still seeking the challenge of summiting Kilimanjaro.
The trail has a more gradual incline, making it accessible to hikers with moderate fitness levels.
Marangu tends to be one of the most cost-effective routes, offering a budget-friendly experience with great value.
After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up by a Nafika tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later on, you will enjoy dinner with your group before being briefed on the trek followed by an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. We can organize the rental of any missing equipment should it be needed.
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and transferred to the Marangu gate. After arriving at Marangu gate, Nafika tours will handle all pre-hike formalities and once complete you will start your Kilimanjaro climb through the dense rainforest. As we head to the Mandara Hut we will see impressive vegetation and if lucky we will catch a glimpse of some of the local primates. Once arrived we will have time to settle in and relax before embarking on a stroll to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after leaving the Mandara Hut, we will reach the timberline entering the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Today’s path is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Continuing through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, we will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a private car will then take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy the warm shower you have been craving. It’s definitely time to celebrate!
Prices (quoted in USD/per person)
| No of Pax | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1500 USD |
| 2-4 People | $1400 USD |
| 5-9 People | $1300 USD |
| 10+ People | $1250 USD |
Embarking on a Kilimanjaro trek is a thrilling adventure! Choose a route that fits your fitness and offers proper acclimatization. Invest in quality gear, including warm clothes and durable boots. Stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness, and enjoy the journey to the summit safely and comfortably!
At Nafika Tours, we bring your dream trip to life! Our sample itineraries are fully customizable to suit your unique preferences. Whether you seek adventure, culture, or relaxation, our dedicated specialists will collaborate closely with you to design a one-of-a-kind journey tailored just for you. With expert guidance and unparalleled flexibility, we ensure every moment of your trip reflects your vision, making your African adventure truly unforgettable.
The Machame and Marangu routes are both very popular for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. What makes Marangu stand out is that it’s the only route with dormitory-style huts for sleeping, making it a preferred choice for trekking during the rainy season. This route and the Rongai route, another northern trail, tend to see more traffic due to their setup. However, Marangu uses the same trail for both going up and coming down, which can make the trail feel busier and offer fewer landscape changes.
When it comes to reaching the summit, both the Marangu and Machame routes have about an 87% success rate, although slightly lower than some longer 7-day itineraries that offer better acclimatization. Between Machame and Marangu, Marangu can feel a bit easier, especially on the 6-day option, as it’s generally less demanding than Machame.
Both the Marangu and Lemosho routes are popular for Kilimanjaro hikers. The Marangu route stands out for its hut accommodations, which can offer more comfort in rough weather. It also has an emergency road up to Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters (12,205 feet), allowing for quicker evacuation if needed, a unique feature among Kilimanjaro routes.
On the other hand, the Lemosho route is known for its stunning views and better acclimatization options, especially with the 7- or 8-day trek, which can improve your chances of reaching the summit. Both routes offer safety, with helicopter evacuation pads at every Kilimanjaro camp.
Around 84% of Nafika Tours hikers on the 5-day Marangu Route and 87% on the 6-day Marangu Route reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. This success rate is higher than the average for many tour operators and historical data. For even greater chances of success, longer routes like the 7-day itineraries on different paths offer even higher summit success rates, as the extra days help hikers adjust to the altitude better.
The Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, also called the “Coca-Cola route,” is known as one of the more accessible paths for climbing Kilimanjaro. Unlike other routes, Marangu offers hut accommodations with basic comforts, making it a bit more comfortable. Despite this, it’s still a challenging climb that demands good physical fitness and preparation. Every Kilimanjaro route, including Marangu, requires commitment, as reaching the summit is no easy feat. So, while Marangu might offer slightly more amenities, climbers must still prepare seriously for the high-altitude adventure.
The Marangu 6-day route is a moderately difficult Kilimanjaro climb that suits a wide range of climbers. However, the shorter 5-day version is much harder and not recommended for beginners, as it doesn’t allow enough time to adapt to the altitude. The most challenging part of the journey is summit day, where the altitude is highest and conditions can be tough. Longer routes are often easier because they allow climbers to adjust to the altitude, making summit day more manageable and increasing the chance of success.
The Marangu Route offers two hiking options: a 5-day and a 6-day itinerary. The 6-day Marangu Route is a moderate climb, providing more time for acclimatization, which is ideal for most trekkers. The 5-day option, however, is better suited for hikers who are already accustomed to high altitudes or have recently acclimatized.
The Marangu route is the oldest and one of the most famous paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique experience because climbers sleep in huts instead of tents. This route’s iconic huts, like Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo, are well-known features. Plus, here’s a fun fact: our friend Alexis Peltier once even landed a plane near the Kibo Hut on this route!
Discover what our happy clients have to say about their adventures with us. Their stories and experiences highlight our commitment to unforgettable journeys!
