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

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa
• 02 Reach Uhuru Peak for a breathtaking sunrise from Africa's highest point
• 03 Trek through changing landscapes from rainforest to moorland and lunar desert
• 04 Stay in dormitory-style mountain huts along the Marangu Route

Embark on a 5-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, via the Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola" route. Ascend through changing landscapes, from dense rainforest and vibrant moorlands to the desolate lunar saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, before reaching iconic Uhuru Peak for a breathtaking sunrise over Africa. Along the way, stay in mountain huts and enjoy the rewarding descent back to Marangu Gate.

Wake up in the middle of the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through Rainforest

• Begin your adventure at Marangu Gate, where you will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.
• Start your trek through the dense rainforest, where you may be lucky enough to spot black and white colobus monkeys.
• After a few hours of hiking, arrive at Mandara Hut, where you will spend the night.

2

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Across Moorland

• After breakfast, continue your ascent through the rainforest.
• As you leave the forest behind, the landscape changes to heather and moorland.
• Arrive at Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night.

3

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut via the Saddle

• Today, you will hike through the lunar desert of the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo.
• As you ascend, the landscape becomes more and more barren.
• Arrive at Kibo Hut, where you will spend the night.

4

Day 04

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

• Wake up in the middle of the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
• Watch the sunrise from the highest point in Africa before descending back to Kibo Hut.
• After a short rest, continue your descent to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night.

5

Day 05

Final Descent to Marangu Gate

• After breakfast, begin your final descent to Marangu Gate.
• Say goodbye to your guide and porters before ending your experience.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees, camping fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
• Twice-daily medical health checkups, including monitoring with a pulse oximeter and stethoscope, plus a basic first-aid kit
• Oxygen cylinder
• Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check
• 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees and services
• Accommodation in the mountain huts
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to and from the mountain gate
• Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• 3 meals while on the mountain, plus evening tea with popcorn or peanuts
• Hot water for washing up daily and treated drinking water while climbing
• Pre- and post-trip accommodation in Moshi on a bed and breakfast basis, with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• 3-4 porters per climber, including porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your gear
• Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Tips for the safari guide
• Personal expenses such as money for souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.
• Visa fees (100 USD for Americans and 50 USD for non-Americans)
• Immunization documents (yellow fever is recommended for visa processing on arrival)
• Any government-imposed increase in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Hat
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Water

Know before you go

• An acclimatization day is recommended.
• Descent is on the same path as the ascent.
• This is the most crowded route.
• This route offers the least scenic variety.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Marangu Gate, Marangu, Tanzania

Tour start

Marangu Gate, Marangu, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.