5-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak with Hut Stays

5 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the Marangu Route, Kilimanjaro's famous "Coca-Cola" path to the summit
02 Pass through lush rainforest with black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tree hyraxes
03 Enjoy hut accommodation on the mountain instead of camping
04 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point in Africa

Embark on a 5-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola" route. Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. This route offers the comfort of hut accommodation instead of camping, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking both adventure and convenience. With a steady ascent, scenic landscapes, and expert support from your Kilimanjaro team, this climb delivers a rewarding summit experience.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through the Rainforest

The adventure truly begins on Day 1 with an early breakfast before meeting your Kilimanjaro team at the hotel.
After all logistics are finalized, you'll set off for Marangu Gate, which is about a one-hour drive from Moshi.
Upon arrival at the gate, you'll complete registration and gear checks before beginning your trek to Mandara Hut. The first day of your hike takes you through the lush, tropical rainforest that surrounds Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of vibrant greenery and rich biodiversity.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and tree hyraxes.
The hike to Mandara Hut is relatively easy, taking about 3-4 hours, with a lunch break at Kisambioni Picnic Site to refuel before continuing to your overnight destination.
Mandara Hut provides a peaceful setting for your first night on the mountain, with spectacular views.

Day 02

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut via Maundi Crater

Day 2 is a longer and more challenging hike, covering 11km to Horombo Hut. The journey usually takes 7-8 hours, so it's important to start early.
After breakfast, you'll set out, passing the beautiful Maundi Crater with its stunning panoramic views.
As you continue your ascent, you'll leave the dense forest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the landscape changes to more open terrain dotted with alpine plants. The hike is physically demanding, but the scenery along the way is truly rewarding.
You'll pause for a delicious hot lunch at a designated rest stop before continuing to Horombo Hut.
This is your second night on the mountain, and after reaching the hut, you'll have time to relax, take in the stunning views of Kilimanjaro, and prepare mentally for the next leg of the journey.
The guides ensure a steady pace that suits everyone, making sure you're well-rested and ready for the summit ahead.

Day 03

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Alpine Desert

Day 3 marks a significant increase in altitude as you leave the moorland zone behind and venture into the alpine desert. This hike covers a distance of 9km and typically takes 5-6 hours.
The landscape becomes even more dramatic as you ascend, with fewer plants and more rocky terrain. The climb is strenuous, but the views are awe-inspiring.
You'll take a break for lunch along the way, enjoying a hot meal before continuing your trek to Kibo Hut. Maintaining a steady pace is essential to conserving energy, as you'll need to rest and be fully prepared for your summit attempt, which will begin later that night.
After arriving at Kibo Hut, you'll have an early dinner, and your guide will go over the details of the summit attempt, emphasizing the importance of proper pacing and mental preparedness.
This is an important night, and you'll want to rest as much as possible before the final ascent.

Day 04

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Summit day is the ultimate test of determination and endurance.
You'll wake up around midnight, have a light snack and a hot drink, and begin your ascent to the summit. The first part of the climb is steep, as you make your way up to Gillman's Point on the crater rim.
From there, you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. The journey is physically demanding, and the altitude will test your limits, but the reward is worth every step.
As you reach Uhuru Peak, you'll be greeted with panoramic views and the satisfaction of achieving your dream of summiting Kilimanjaro.
After a moment to celebrate and watch the sunrise, you'll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut.
This is a long day, covering 21km and taking around 15 hours of hiking, but the expertise of your guides will ensure that you maintain the right pace throughout the journey.

Day 05

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

On the final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, you'll descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, a distance of about 19km.
The descent is much easier on your body since it's downhill, but you'll still want to take your time and enjoy the last leg of the journey.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you'll be greeted with a sense of accomplishment and celebration, marking the successful completion of your climb.
You'll enjoy a celebratory lunch at the gate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
The end of your journey will be filled with pride as you reflect on your incredible achievement of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, and you'll return home with memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 4 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfers
Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro National Park gate
Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
Park fees and permits
Camping/hut accommodation during the climb
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Boiled drinking water
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)
Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue)
Portable oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit
Fair wages for crew (KPAP standards)
Summit certificates for successful climbers
Government taxes and VAT

What's Not Included

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips for the crew
Personal expenses (e.g. snacks, drinks, laundry)
Personal climbing gear (rentals available)
Accommodation/meals not in the itinerary
Optional activities before/after the climb

What to bring

Luggage: Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof, and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of value in a separate day pack such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes: Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that can keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colors and avoid white or bright colors that may distract the animals, and dark colors like black and blue, as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colors are the safari classics: olive, green, and khaki. For evenings at lodges, you can stay in your casual gear, as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Shoes: As you want to be careful not to over-pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals. Sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night. You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
Sun Protection: The African sun can be brutal, so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. You'll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First aid: This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
Antiseptic ointment
Antihistamine cream & tablets
Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
Eye-drops
Anti-diarrhea treatment
A couple of bandages
Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc.
Insect repellent containing Deet
Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
Assorted plasters
Photography & Electrical Equipment: We recommend you bring:
Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera - zip lock/plastic bags are useful for dusty/sandy conditions.
Spare/extra batteries
Memory/storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife.
Photography etiquette: It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts, and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away!
Electrical charging & power supply: All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices.
Phones / Wi-Fi: Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi.
Some campsites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon.
The signal strength is variable.
It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it on your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly cheap phone in Tanzania for this purpose.
There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help and advise with this.
Security: All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discreet than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings and, when approached by people you do not know, be very careful. At night in towns, it's best to use a taxi rather than walk around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful, and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.

Know before you go

Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained. On Arrival: Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward - English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit Cards: If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM you try. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATMs: These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
Flight Information: We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Visa & Passports: Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
Vaccinations & Health: You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow Fever
Malaria
Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
Malaria: In some of the areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten, which is the best prevention. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing 'DEET' applied to them.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and Repatriation coverage.
Tipping: There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours, and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
Climate: In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, e.g. Ngorongoro Crater.
Pre/post-climb accommodation in Moshi or Arusha is available if needed.
Gear rental, such as sleeping bags and trekking poles, is available if needed.