Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route to Uhuru Peak

5 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Marangu Route to Gillman's Point and Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro
02 Cross diverse landscapes from dense rainforest to the near vegetationless saddle
03 Watch sunrise from Kilimanjaro's crater rim at Gillman's Point
04 Take in views of Mawenzi, Kibo, the Masai steppe, and the Kenyan interior
05 Stay in mountain huts between challenging trekking stages

Conquer Tanzania's tallest mountain on a 5-day trek via the Marangu Route, often referred to as the 'Coca Cola' route. Hike through dense rainforest, heath and moorland, and the near vegetationless saddle before making your summit push to Gillman's Point at 5681m and Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Along the way, take in views of Mawenzi, Kibo, the Masai steppe, and the Kenyan interior, while staying in mountain huts between trekking stages.

At sunrise, reach Gillman's Point (5681m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly start to warm the land.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut through Rainforest

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to Marangu Gate.
Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin, and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to Mandara Hut.
After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to Maundi Crater, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut via Heath and Moorland

The day begins with an early breakfast.
Shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone.
Approximately 4 - 6 hours later, 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.

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut across the Saddle

Today's stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the 'Last Water Point', which is followed by the so-called 'saddle'. This near vegetationless plateau joins the main summit, Kibo, with Mawenzi.
Today's destination is Kibo Hut, which 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.

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo

Today is 'The Big Day' - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, and it will be long and strenuous. Passing Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards.
At sunrise, reach Gillman's Point (5681m) - the crater rim of Kilimanjaro - where the sun will slowly start to warm the land. You will soon have forgotten the cold of the night.
After a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m with your Kilimanjaro tour guide.
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.

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch is waiting for you.
Soon, you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after a total of 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m).
After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Pre- and post-trek accommodation at Weruweru River Lodge, Parkview Inn, or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel.
Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
18% VAT on tour fees and services.
4-season big sleeping mountain tents.
Double-layered sleeping mats.
Transportation to and from the mountain gate.
Professional Tanzanian mountain guides, cooks, and porters.
3 meals daily while on the mountain.
Filtered water throughout the trek.
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
Portable toilets and toilet tents.
Hot water for washing.

What's Not Included

Flights.
Items of a personal nature.
Laundry services.
Tips to the mountain crew.

Know before you go

Starting at Kilimanjaro airport and ending with a transfer after the descent.
Additional night after the descent.
Can easily be combined with a short safari or beach holiday. This private safari can be adapted to your wishes at any time.
The Marangu Route has been referred to as the 'Coca Cola' route, and this has led potential climbers to think that it is an easy route to the summit. This is far from the truth, to be honest. The fact that it requires a minimum of 5 days to complete does not mean that it is easier than any other route.

Logistics